mm 


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UCSB   LIBRARY 


•      .'  r  '  ss 


*: 


?ARAl; 


-      '  » 

.     \  "  B  T,1  >•      3+ 


5     BflOADW 


m 


t . 

MILTON'S 


PARADISE    LOST: 


A    POEM,     IN    TWELVE     BOOKS. 


TOGETHER    WITH 


A    LIFE    OF    THE    AUTHOR. 


NEW   YORK: 
PUBLISHED    BY    CLARK,   AUSTIN   «fc   CO. 

80S      BROADWAY. 
1850. 


*  * 


m*#> 


;v 


CONTENTS 


i  »  *•  "c  ' 

. 

PARAD1 


SE    LOST. 


LIFE  OF  MILTON, 5 

The  Verse, 11 

Book  I,          15 

Book  II,        39 

Book  III, 69 

Book  IV, 91 

Book  V,        121 

Book  VI, 147 

Book  VII, 173 

Book  VIII, 193 

Book  IX,       .     - 213 

Book  X,         247 

Book  XI, .  279 

Book  XII, 305 


THE  LIFE 


OF 


JOHN   MILTON, 


FROM  a  family  and  town  of  his  name  in  Oxfordshire,  our  ui- 
thor  derived  his  descent :  but  he  was  born  at  London,  in  the  year 
1608.  His  father,  John  Milton,  by  profession  a  scrivener,  lived 
in  a  reputable  manner  on  a  competent  estate,  entirely  his  own 
acquisition,  havmg  been  early  disinherited  by  his  parents  for  re- 
nouncing the  communion  of  the  church  of  Kome,  to  which  they 
were  zealously  devoted. 

Our  author  was  the  favourite  of  his  father's  hopes,  who,  to  cul- 
tivate the  great  genius  which  early  displayed  itself,  was  at  the 
expense  of  a  domestic  tutor,  whose  care  and  capacity  his  pupil 
hath  gratefully  celebrated  in  an  excellent  Latin  elegy.  At  his 
initiation  he  is  said  to  have  applied  himself  to  letters  with  such 
indefatigable  industry,  that  he  rarely  was  prevailed  upon  to  quit 
his  studies  before  midnight ;  which  not  only  made  him  frequently 
subject  to  severe  pains  in  his  head,  but  likewise  occasioned  that 
weakness  in  his  eyes,  which  terminated  in  a  total  privation  of  sight. 
From  a  domestic  education  he  was  removed  to  St.  Paul's  school, 
to  complete  his  acquaintance  with  the  classics,  under  the  care  o 
Dr.  Gill ;  and,  after  a  short  stay  there,  was  transplanted  to 
Christ's  College,  in  Cambridge,  where  he  distinguished  himself  in 
all  kinds  of  academical  exercises.  Of  this  society  he  continued  a 
member  till  he  commenced  master  of  arts ;  and  then,  leaving  the 
university,  he  returned  to  his  father,  who  had  quitted  the  town, 
and  lived  at  Horton,  in  Buckinghamshire,  where  he  pursued  his 
studies  with  unparalleled  assiduity  and  success. 

After  some  years  spent  in  this  studious  retirement,  his  mother 
died,  and  then  he  prevailed  with  his  father  to  gratify  an  inclination 


O  THE    LIFE    OF 

he  had  long  en'srtained  of  seeing  foreign  countries.  Sir  Henry 
Wotton,  at  that  time  provost  of  Eton  College,  gave  him  a  letter  ol 
advice  for  the  direction  of  his  travel?.  Having  employed  his  cu- 
riosity about  two  years  in  France  and  Italy,  on  the  news  oi  a  civil 
war  breaking  out  in  England,  he  returned,  without  taking  a  sur- 
vey of  Greece  and  Sicily,  as  at  his  setting  out  the  scheme  was  pro- 
jected. At  Paris  the  lord  viscount  Scudamore,  ambassador  from 
King  Charles  I,  at  the  court  of  France,  introduced  him  to  the  ac- 
quaintance of  Grotius,  who  at  that  time  was  honoured  with  the 
same  character  there  by  Christiana,  queen  of  Sweden.  In  Rome. 
Genoa,  Florence,  and  other  cities  of  Italy,  he  contracted  a  fami- 
liarity with  those  who  were  of  highest  reputation  for  wit  and 
learning,  several  of  whom  gave  him  very  obliging  testimonies  of 
their  friendship  and  esteem. 

Returning  from  his  travels,  he  found  England  on  the  point  of 
being  involved  in  blood  and  confusion.  He  retired  to  lodgings 
provided  for  him  in  the  city ;  which  being  commodious  for  the  re- 
ception of  his  sister's  sons,  and  some  other  young  gentlemen,  he 
undertook  their  education. 

In  this  philosophical  course  he  continued,  without  a  wife  till 
the  year  1643,  when  he  married  Mary,  the  daughter  of  Richard 
Powell,  of  Forest-Hill  in  Oxfordshire,  a  gentleman  of  estate  and 
reputation  in  that  county,  and  of  principles  so  very  opposite  to  his 
son-in-law,  that  the  marriage  is  more  to  be  wondered  at  than  the 
separation  which  ensued,  in  little  more  than  a  month  after  she 
had  cohabited  with  him  in  London.  Her  desertion  provoked  him 
both  to  write  several  treatises  concerning  the  doctrine  and  disci- 
pline of  divorce,  and  also  to  pay  his  addresses  to  a  young  lady  oi 
great  wit  and  beauty ;  but,  before  he  had  engaged  her  affections 
to  conclude  the  marriage  treaty,  in  a  visit  at  one  of  his  relations, 
he  found  his  wife  prostrate  before  him,  imploring  forgiveness  and 
reconciliation.  It  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  an  interview  of  that  na- 
ture, so  little  expected,  must  wonderfully  affect  him  ;  and  perhaps 
the  impressions  it  made  on  his  imagination,  contributed  much  to 
the  painting  of  that  pathetic  scene  in  Paradise  Lost,*  in  which 
Eve  addresseth  herself  to  Adam  for  pardon  and  peace.  At  the  in- 
tercession of  his  friends  who  were  present,  after  a  short  reluctance, 
he  generously  sacrificed  all  his  resentment  to  her  tears : 


soon  his  heart  relented 

Towards  her,  his  life  so  late  and  sole  delight 
Now  at  his  feet  submissive  in  distress. 

And  after  this  reunion,  so  far  was  he  from  retaining  any  unkind 
memory  of  the  provocations  which  he  had  received  from  her  i!! 
conduct,  that  when  the  king's  cause  was  entirely  suppressed,  and 
her  father,  who  had  been  active  in  his  loyalty,  was  exposed  to  t-c- 

*  Book  x,  page  171. 


THE    LIFE    OF  7 

questration,  Milton  received  both  him  and  his  family  to  protection, 
and  free  entertainment,  in  his  own  house,  till  their  affairs  were  ac- 
commodated by  his  interest  in  the  victorious  faction. 

A  commission  to  constitute  him  adjutant  general  to  sir  William 
Waller  was  promised,  but  soon  superceded,  by  Waller's  being  kid 
aside,  when  his  masters  thought  it  proper  to  new  model  their  army. : 
However,  the  keenness  of  his  pen  had  so  effectually  recommendt  d 
him  to  Cromwell's  esteem,  that,  when  he  took  the  reins  of  gov- 
ernment into  his  own  hand,  he  advanced  him  to  be  Latin  sec- 
retary, both  to  himself  and  the  parliament ;  the  former  of  these 
preferments  he  enjoyed  both  under  the  usurper  and  his  son,  the 
other  until  king  Charles  II  was  restored.  For  some  time  he  had 
an  apartment  for  his  family  at.  Whitehall:  but  his  health  requir- 
ing a  freer  accession  of  air,  he  was  obliged  to  remove  from  thence 
to  lodgings  which  opened  into  St.  James'  Park.  Not  long  after  his 
settlement  there,  his  wife  died  in  childbed ;  and  much  about  the 
time  of  her  death,  a  gultaserena,  which  had  for  several  years  been 
gradually  increasing,  totally  extinguished  his  sight.  In  this  mel- 
ancholy condition,  he  was  easily  prevailed  with  to  think  of  taking 
another  wife,  who  was  Catharine,  the  daughter  of  captain  Wood- 
cock, of  Hackney  ;  and  she  too,  in  less  than  a  year  after  their  mar- 
riage, died  in  the  same  unfortunate  manner  as  the  former  had 
done ;  and  in  his  twenty-third  sonnet  he  does  honour  to  her 
memory. 

Being  a  second  time  a  widower,  he  employed  his  friend  Dr. 
Pagettomake  choice  of  a  third  consort,  on  whose  recommendation 
he  married  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Minshul,  a  Cheshire 
gentleman,  by  whom  he  had  no  issue.  Three  daughters,  by  his 
first  wife,  were  then  living  ;  the  two  elder  of  whom  are  said  to  have 
been  very  serviceable  to  him  in  his  studies ;  for  having  been  in- 
structed to  pronounce  not  only  the  modern,  but  also  the  Latin, 
Greek,  and  Hebrew  languages,  they  read  in  their  respective  origi 
nals,  whatever  authors  he  wanted  to  consult,  though  they  under- 
stood none  but  their  mother  tongue. 

We  come  now  to  take  a  survey  of  him  in  that  point  of  view,  in 
which  he  will  be  looked  upon  by  all  succeeding  ages  with  equal 
delight  and  admiration.  An  interval  of  about  twenty  years  had 
elapsed  since  he  wrote  the  Mask  of  Comus,  L'  Allegro,  11  Pense 
roso,  and  Lycidas,  all  in  such  an  exquisite  strain,  that  though  he 
had  left  no  other  monuments  of  his  genius  behind  him,  his  name 
had  been  immortal ;  but  neither  the  infirmities  of  age  and  constitu- 
tion, nor  the  vicissitudes  of  fortune,  could  depress  the  vigour  of  his 
mind,  or  divert  it  from  executing  a  design  he  had  long  conceived  of 
writincr  an  heroic  poem.*  The  fall  of  man  was  a  subject  that  he 
had  some  years  before  fixed  on  for  a  tragedy,  which  he  intended  to 
form  by  the  models  of  antiquity ;  and  some,  not  without  probability 
say,  the  play  opened  with  that  speech  in  the  fourth  book  of  Para- 


*  Taradise  Lost,  Book  IX,  page  213 


8  JOHN  M1LTOW. 

disc  Lost,  \.  32,  which  is  addressrd  by  satan  to  the  sun  Were  it 
material,  I  believe  I  could  produce  other  passages,  which  more 
plainly  appear  to  have  been  originally  intended  for  the  scene  :  but 
whatever  truth  there  may  be  in  this  report,  it  is  certain,  that 
he  did  not  begin  to  mould  his  subject,  in  the  form  which  it  bears 
now,  before  he  had  concluded  his  controversy  with  Salmasius,  and 
More,  when  he  had  wholly  lost  the  use  of  his  eyes,  and  was  forced 
to  employ,  in  the  office  of  an  amanuensis,  any  friend  who  acciden- 
tally paid  him  a  visit.  Yet  under  all  these  discouragements,  and 
various  interruptions,  in  the  year  1669,  he  published  his  Paradise 
Lost,  the  noblest  poem  (next  to  those  of  Homer  and  Virgil)  that 
ever  the  wit  of  man  produced  in  any  age  or  nation.  Need  I  men- 
tion any  other  evidence  of  its  inestimable  worth,  than  that  the 
finest  geniuses  who  have  succeeded  him,  have  ever  esteemed  it  a 
merit,  to  relish  and  illustrate  its  beauties? 

And  now,  perhaps,  it  may  pass  for  a  fiction,  what  with  great 
veracity  I  affirm  to  be  fact,  that  Milton,  after  having  with  much 
difficulty  prevailed  to  have  this  divine  poem  licensed  for  the  press, 
could  sell  the  copy  for  no  more  than  fifteen  pounds:  the  payment 
of  which  valuable  consideration  depended  upon  the  sale  of  three 
numerous  impressions.  So  unreasonably  may  personal  prejudice 
affect  the  most  excellent  performances  ! 

About  two  years  after,  he  published  Paradise  Regained ;  but 
Oh,  what  a  falling  off  was  there  .'——of  which  I  will  say  no  more, 
than  that  there  is  scarcely  a  more  remarkable  instance  of  the  frail- 
ty of  human  reason  than  our  author  gave,  in  preferring  this  poem 
to  Paradise  Lost. 

And  thus  having  attended  him  to  the  sixty-sixth  year  of  his  age, 
as  closely  as  such  imperfect  lights  as  men  of  letters  and  retirement 
usually  leave  to  guide  our  inquiry  would  allow,  it  now  only  remains 
to  be  recorded,  that,  in  the  year  1674,  the  gout  put  a  period  to  his 
life,  at  Bunhill,  near  London ;  from  whence  his  body  was  conveyed 
to  St.  Giles'  church,  by  Cripplegate,  where  it  lies  interred  in  the 
chancel,  and  a  neat  monument  has  lately  been  erected  to  perpetuate 
his  memory. 

In  his  youth  he  is  said  to  have  been  extremely  handsome  ;  the 
colour  of  his  hair  was  a  light  brown,  the  symmetry  of  his  features 
exact,  enlivened  with  an  agreeable  air,  and  a  beautiful  mixture  ol 
fair  and  ruddy.  His  stature,  (as  we  find  it  measured  by  himself) 
did  not  exceed  the  middle  size,  neither  too  lean  nor  corpulent  j  his 
limbs  well  proportioned,  nervous  and  active,  serviceable  in  all  re 
gpects  to  his  exercising  the  sword,  in  which  he  much  delighted 
and  wanted  neither  skill  nor  courage  to  resent  an  affront  from  men 
of  the  most  athletic  constitutions.  In  his  diet  he  was  abstemious 
not  delicate  in  the  choice  of  his  dishes  ;  and  strong  liquors  of  all 
kinds  were  his  aversion.  His  deportment  was  erect,  open,  affable  ; 
fris  conversation  easy,  cheerful,  instructive  ;  his  wit  on  ;ill  occasions 
at  command,  facetious,  grave,  or  satirical,  as  the  subject  required. 
His  judgment,  when  disengaged  from  religious  and  political  specu- 
lations, was  just  and  penetrating,  his  apprehension  quick,  his  me- 


THE  LIFE  OF,  &,C.  i* 

mory  tenacious  of  what  he  read,  his  reading  only  not  so  extensive 
as  his  genius,  for  that  was  universal.     And  having  treasured  up 
such  immense  store  of  science,  perhaps  the  faculties  of  his  soul 
grew  more  vigorous  after  he  was  deprived  of  sight :  and  his  imagi- 
nation, (naturally  sublime  and  enlarged  by  reading  romances,  of 
which  he  was  much  enamoured  in  his  youth,)  when  it  was  wholly 
abstracted  from  material  objects,  was  more  at  liberty  to  make  sue 
amazing  excursions  into  the  ideal  world,  when  in  composing  hi 
divine  work  he  was  tempted  to  range, 

Beyond  the  visible  diurnal  sphere. 

With  so  many  accomplishments,  not  to  have  had  some  faults  antl 
misfortunes  to  be  laid  in  the  balance,  with  the  fame  and  felicity  of 
writing  Paradise  Lost,  would  havs  been  too  great  a  portion  for 
nu  inanity. 

ELIJAH  FENTON. 


THE  VERSE 


THE  measure  is  English  heroic  verse  without  rhyme,  as  that  01 
Homer  in  Greek,  and  of  Virgil  in  Latin ;  rhyme  being  no  neces- 
sary adjunct  or  true  ornament  of  poem  or  good  verse,  in  longer 
works  especially,  but  the  invention  of  a  barbarous  age,  to  set  oil 
wretched  matter,  and  lame  metre ;  graced,  indeed,  since,  by  the  use 
of  seme  famous  modern  poets,  carried  away  by  custom,  Hit  much  to 
their  own  vexation,  hinderance,  and  constraint,  to  express  many 
things  otherwise,  and  for  the  most  part  worse  than  else  they  would 
have  expressed  them.  Not  without  cause,  therefore,  some,  both 
Italian  and  Spanish  poets,  of  prime  note,  have  rejected  rhyme,  both 
in  longer  and  shorter  works,  as  have  also  long  since  our  best  En- 
glish tragedies,  as  a  thing  of  itself,  *o  all  judicious  ears,  trivial  and 
of  no  true  musical  delight ;  which  consists  only  in  apt  numbers,  fit 
quantity  of  syllables,  and  the  sense  variously  drawn  out  from  one 
verse  into  another,  not  in  the  jingling  sound  of  like  endings,  a  fault 
•voided  by  the  learned  ancients,  both  in  poetry  and  all  good  oratory. 
This  neglect  then  of  rhyme  so  little  is  to  be  taken  for  a  defect, 
though  it  may  seem  so  perhaps  to  vulgar  readers,  that  it  is  rathei 
to  be  esteemed  an  example  set,  the  first  in  English,  of  ancient  liberty 
recovered  to  heroic  poem  from  the  troublesome  and  modern  bondage 
of  rhyming. 


THE 

FIRST  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


THIS  first  book  proposes,  first  in  brief,  the  whole  subject,  Man's 
disobedience,  and  the  loss  thereupon  of  Paradise  wherein  he  was 
placed :  Then  touches  the  prime  cause  of  his  fall,  the  Serpent, 
or  rather  Satan  in  the  serpent ;  who  revolting  from  God,  and 
drawing  to  his  side  many  legions  of  Angels,  was  by  the  com- 
mand of  God  driven  out  of  Heaven  with  all  his  crew  into  the 
great  deep.  Which  action  passed  over,  the  poem  hastens  into 
the  midst  of  things,  presenting  Satan  with  his  angels  now  fall- 
ing into  Hell  described  here,  not  in  the  centre  (for  Heaven  and 
Earth  may  be  supposed  as  yet  not  made,  certainly  not  yet  ac- 
cursed,) but  in  a  place  of  utter  darkness,  fullest  called  Chaos . 
Here  Satan  with  his  Angels  lying  on  the  burning  lake,  thun- 
derstruck and  astonished,  after  a  certain  space  recovers,  as  from 
confusion,  calls  up  him  who  next  in  order  and  dignity  lay  by 
him ;  they  confer  of  their  miserable  fall,  Satan  awakens  all  his 
legions,  who  lay  till  then  in  the  same  manner  confounded.  They 
rise,  their  numbers,  array  of  battle,  their  chief  leaders  named, 
according  to  the  idols  known  afterwards  in  Canaan  and  the 
countries  adjoining.  To  these  Satan  directs  his  speech,  comforts 
them  with  hope  yet  of  regaining  Heaven,  but  tells  them  lastly  of 
a  new  world  and  new  kind  of  creature  to  be  created,  according 
to  an  ancient  prophecy,  or  report  in  Heaven  ;  for  that  Angels 
were  long  before  this  visible  creation,  was  the  opinion  of  many 
Ancient  Fathers.  To  find  out  the  truth  of  this  prophecy,  and 
what  to  determine  thereon,  he  refers  to  a  full  council.  What  his 
associates  thence  attempt.  Pandemonium,  the  palace  of  Satan 
rises,  suddenly  built  out  of  the  deep :  The  infernal  peers  then 
sit  in  council. 


-V 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK  L 

OF  man's  first  disobedience,  and  the  fruit 
Of  that  forbidden  tree,  whose  mortal  taste 
Brought  death  into  the  world,  and  all  our  wo. 
With  loss  of  Eden,  till  one  greater  Man 
Restore  us,  and  regain  the  blissful  seat, 
Sing,  heav'nly  Muse,  that  on  th«*  sacred  top 
Of  Oreb,  or  of  Sinai,  didst  inspire 
That  Shepherd,*  who  first  taught  the  chosen  seed 
In  the  beginning,  how  the  heav'ns  and  earth 
Rose  out  of  chaos :  or  if  Sion  hill 
Delight  thee  more,  and  Siloa's  brook,  that  flow'd 
Fast  by  the  oracle  of  God ;  I  thence 
Invoke  thy  aid  to  my  advent'rous  song, 
That  with  no  middle  flight  intends  to  soar 
Above  th'  Aonian  mount,  while  it  pursues 
Things  unattempted  yet,  in  prose  or  rhyme. 
And  chiefly  Thou,  O  Spirit,  that  dost  prefer 
Before  all  temples  th'  upright  heart  and  pure. 
Instruct  me,  for  thou  know'st ;  Thou  from  the  first 
Wast  present,  and  with  mighty  wings  outspread. 
Dove-like  sat'st  brooding  on  the  vast  abyss, 
And  mad'st  it  pregnant :  what  in  me  is  dark, 
Illumine ;  what  is  low  raise  and  support ; 
That  to  the  height  of  this  great  argument 

*  "  That  Shepherd,"  MOSM,  who  kept  th*  flock  of  Jethro, 


Itf  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOCK  I 

I  may  assert  eternal  providence, 
And  justify  the  ways  of  God  to  men. 

Say  first,  for  heav'n  hides  nothing  from  thy  view, 
Nor  the  deep  tract  of  hell;  say  first,  what  cause 
Mov'd  our  grand  parents,  in  that  happy  state, 
Favour'd  of  heav'n  so  highly,  to  fall  off 
From  their  Creator,  and  transgress  his  will 
For  one  restraint,  lords  of  the  world  besides  ? 
Who  first  seduc'd  them  to  that  foul  revolt  ? 
Th'  infernal  serpent ;  he  it  was,  whose  guile, 
Stirr'd  up  with  envy  and  revenge,  deceiv'd 
The  mother  of  mankind,  what  time  his  pride 
Had  cast  him  out  from  Heaven,  with  all  his  host 
Of  rebel  angels  :  by  whose  aid,  aspiring 
To  set  himself  in  glory,  above  his  peers. 
He  trusted  to  have  equall'd  the  Most  High, 
If  he  oppos'd;  and,  with  ambitious  aim 
Against  the  throne  and  monarchy  of  God, 
Rais'd  impious  war  in  heav'n,  and  battle  proud, 
With  vain  attempt.     Hun  the  almighty  power 
Hurl'd  headlong  flaming  from  th'  ethereal  sky, 
With  hideous  ruin  and  combustion,  down 
To  bottomless  perdition,  there  to  dwell 
In  adamantine  chains  and  penal  fire, 
Who  durst  defy  th'  Omnipotent  to  arms. 
Nine  times  the  space  that  measures  day  and  night 
To  mortal  men,  he  with  his  horrid  crew 
Lay  vanquished,  rolling  in  the  fiery  gulf, 
Confounded,  though  immortal :  but  his  doom 
Reserv'd  him  to  more  wrath;  for  now  the  thought 
Both  of  lost  happiness,  and  lasting  pain, 
Torments  him  ;  round  he  throws  his  baleful  eyes. 
That  witness'd  huge  affliction  and  dismay, 
Mix'd  with  obdurate  pride  and  steadfast  hate  : 
At  once,  as  far  as  angels  ken,  he  views 
The  dismal  situation  waste  and  wild; 
A  dungeon  horrible  on  all  sides  round, 
As  one  great  furnace  flam'd ;  yet  from  those  flames 
No  light,  but  rather  darkness  visible 


BOOK  I.]  PARADISE  LOST.  17 

Serv'd  only  to  discover  sights  of  wo, 
Regions  of  sorrow,  doleful  shades,  where  peace 
And  rest  can  never  dwell,  hope  never  comes 
That  comes  to  all;  but  torture  without  end 
Still  urges,  and  a  fiery  deluge,  fed 
With  ever-burning  sulphur  unconsum'd: 
Such  place  eternal  justice  had  prepar'd 
For  those  rebellious  ;  here  their  pris'n  ordain'd 
In  utter  darkness,  and  their  portion  set 
'As  far  remov'd  from  God  and  light  of  heav'n, 
As  from  the  centre  thrice  to  th'  utmost  pole. 
O  how  unlike  the  place  from  whence  they  fell ! 
There  the  companions  of  his  fall,  o'erwhelm'd 
With  floods  and  whirlwinds  of  tempestuous  fire. 
He  soon  discerns;  and  welt'ring  by  his  side 
One  next  himself  in  pow'r,  and  next  in  crime, 
Long  after  known  in  Palestine,  and  nam'd 
Beelzebub.     To  whom  th'  arch-enemy, 
And  thence  in  heav'n  called  Satan,  with  bold  worus 
Breaking  the  horrid  silence,  thus  began  : 

If  thou  beest  he ;  but  O  how  fall'n !  how  chang'd 
From  him,  who,  in  the  happy  realms  of  light, 
Cloth'd  with  transcendent  brightness,  didst  outshine 
Myriads  though  bright !  If  he  whom  mutual  league, 
United  thoughts  and  counsels,  equal  hope 
And  hazard  in  the  glorious  enterprise 
Join'd  with  me  once,  now  misery  hath  join'd 
In  equal  ruin !  Into  what  pit  thou  seest, 
From  what  height  fall'n;  so  much  the  stronger  pro v'd! 
He  with  his  thunder  :  and  till  then  who  knew 
The  force  of  those  dire  arms  ?  yet  not  for  those, 
Nor  what  the  potent  victor  in  his  rage 
Can  else  inflict,  do  I  repent  or  change. 
Though  chang'd  in  outward  lustre,  that  fix'd  mind, 
And  high  disdain  from  sense  of  injur'd  merit, 
That  with  the  mightiest  rais'd  me  to  contend, 
And  to  the  fierce  contention  brought  along 
Innumerable  force  of  spirits  arm'd, 
That  durst  dislike  his  reign,  and,  me  preferring, 
2* 


18  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK   I. 

His  utmost  poAv'r  with  adverse  pow'r  oppos'd 

In  dubious  battle  on  the  plains  of  heav'n, 

And  shook  his  throne.     What  though  the  field  be  lost  ' 

All  is  not  lost :  th'  unconquerable  will, 

And  study  of  revenge,  immortal  hate, 

And  courage  never  to  submit  or  yield, 

And  what  is  else  not  to  be  overcome; 

That  glory  never  shall  his  wrath  or  might 

Extort  from  me.     To  bow  and  sue  for  grace 

With  suppliant  knee,  and  deify  his  power, 

Who  from  the  terror  of  this  arm  so  late 

Doubted  his  empire ;  that  were  low  indeed, 

That  were  an  ingnominy,  and  shame  beneath 

This  downfal ;  since,  by  fate,  the  strength  of  gods 

And  this  empyreal  substance  cannot  fail ; 

Since,  through  experience  of  this  great  event, 

In  arms  not  worse,  in  foresight  much  advaric'd, 

We  may  with  more  successful  hope,  resolve 

To  wage,  by  force  or  guile,  eternal  war, 

Irreconcileable  to  our  grand  foe, 

Who  now  triumphs,  and,  in  th'  excess  of  joy 

Sole  reigning,  holds  the  tyranny  of  heaven. 

So  spake  th'  apostate  angel,  though  in  pain, 
Vaunting  aloud,  but  rack'd  with  deep  despair  : 
And  him  thus  answer'd  soon  his  bold  compeer : 

O  prince,  O  chief  of  many  throned  powers, 
That  led  th'  embattl'd  seraphim  to  war, 
Under  thy  conduct,  and,  in  dreadful  deeds 
Fearless,  endanger'd  heav'n's  perpetual  King, 
And  put  to  proof  his  high  supremacy, 
Whether  upheld  by  strength,  or  chance,  or  fate 
Too  well  I  see  and  rue  the  dire  event, 
That  with  sad  overthrow  and  foul  defeat 
Hath  lost  us  Heav'n,  and  all  this  mighty  host 
In  horrible  destruction  laid  thus  low, 
As  lar  as  gods  and  heav'nly  essences 
Can  perish  :  for  the  mind  and  spirit  remain 
Invincible,  and  vigour  soon  returns, 
Though  all  our  glory  extinct,  and  happy  state 


BOOK  I.J  PARADISE  LOST.  19 

Here  swallow'd  up  in  endless  misery. 

But  what  if  he  our  conqueror  (whom,  I  now 

Of  force  believe  Almighty,  since  no  less 

Than  such  could  have  o'erpower'd  such  force  as  oun  » 

Have  left  us  in  this  our  spirit  and  strength  entire. 

Strongly  to  suffer  and  support  our  pains, 

That  we  may  so  suffice  his  vengeful  ire, 

Or  do  him  mightier  service  as  his  thralls 

By  right  of  war,  whate'er  his  bus'ness  be, 

Here  in  the  heart  of  hell  to  work  in  fire, 

Or  do  his  errand.s  in  the  gloomy  deep ; 

What  can  it  then  avail,  though  yet  we  feel 

Strength  undiminish'd,  or  eternal  being, 

To  undergo  eternal  punishment? 

Whereto  with  speedy  words  th'  arch-fiend  replied : 

Fall'n  cherub  !  to  be  weak  is  miserable, 
Doing  or  suff'ring;  but  of  this  be  sure, 
To  do  aught  good,  never  will  be  our  ta.sk, 
But  ever  to  do  ill  our  sole  delight, 
As  being  the  contrary  to  his  high  will 
Whom  we  resist.     If  then  his  providence 
Out  of  our  evil  seek  to  bring  forth  good, 
Our  labour  must  be  to  pervert  that  end, 
And  out  of  good  still  to  find  means  of  evil; 
Which  oft-times  may  succeed,  so  as  perhaps 
Shall  grieve  him,  if  I  fail  not,  and  disturb 
His  inmost  counsels  from  their  destin'd  aim. 
But  see  !  the  angry  victor  hath  recall'd 
His  ministers  of  vengeance  and  pursuit, 
Back  to  the  gates  of  heav'n ;   the  sulphurous  hail, 
Shot  after  us  in  storm,  o'erblown,  hath  laid 
The  fiery  surge,  that  from  the  precipice 
Jf  heav'n  receiv'd  us  falling ;  and  the  thunder, 
Wing'd  with  red  lightning  and  impetuous  rage, 
Perhaps  hath  spent  his  shafts,  and  ceases  now 
To  bellow  through  the  vast  and  boundless  deep. 
Let  us  not  slip  th'  occasion  whether  scorn, 
Or  satiate  fury,  yield  it  from  ....    foe. 
Seest  thou  yon  dreary  plain,  forlorn  and  wild 


20  PARADISE  LOST  [BOOK  1. 

The  seat  of  desolation,  roid  of  light, 

Save  what  the  glimmering  of  these  livid  flames 

Casts  pale  and  dreadful  ?     Thither  let  us  tend 

From  off  the  tossing  of  these  fiery  waves ; 

There  rest  if  any  rest  can  harbour  there  : 

And,  re-assembling  our  afflicted  powers, 

Consult  how  we  may  henceforth  most  offend 

Our  enemy ;  our  own  loss  how  repair ; 

How  overcome  this  dire  calamity ; 

What  reinforcement  we  may  gain  from  hope ; 

If  not  what  resolution  from  despair. 

Thus  Satan  talking  to  his  nearest  mate, 
With  head  uplift  above  the  wave,  and  eyes 
That  sparkling  blaz'd,  his  other  parts  beside, 
Prone  on  the  flood,  extended  long  and  large, 
Lay  floating  many  a  rood ;  in  bulk  as  huge 
As  whom  the  fables  name  of  monstrous  size, 
Titanian,  or  earth-born,  that  warr'd  on  Jove : 
Briareos  or  Typhon,  whom  the  den 
By  ancient  Tarsus  held ;  or  that  sea  beast 
Leviathan,  which  God  of  all  his  works 
Created  hugest  that  swim  th'  ocean  stream: 
Him,  haply  slumb'ring  on  the  Norway  foam, 
The  pilot  of  some  small  night  founder'd  skiff 
Deeming  some  island,  oft,  as  seamen  tell, 
With  fix'd  anchor  in  his  scaly  rind 
Moors  by  his  side  under  the  lee,  while  night 
Invests  the  sea.  and  wish'd  morn  delays  : 
So  stretched  out  huge  in  length,  the  arch-fiend  lay 
Chain'd  on  the  burning  lake  :  nor  ever  thence 
Had  risen  or  heav'd  his  head,  but  that  the  will 
And  high  permission  of  all-ruling  heav'n 
Left  him  at  large  to  his  own  dark  designs ; 
That  with  reiterated  crimes,  he  might 
Heap  on  himself  damnation,  while  he  sought 
Evil  to  others;  and,  enrag'd,  might  see 
How  all  his  malice  serv'd  but  to  bring  forth 
Infinite  goodness,  grace,  and  mercy  shown 
On  man  by  him  seduced,  but  on  himself 


BOOK  l.J  PARADISE  LOST.  2i 

Treble  confusion,  wrath,  and  vengeance  pour'd. 

Forthwith  upright  he  rears  from  off  the  pool 

His  mighty  stature ;  on  each  hand  the  flames. 

Driv'n  backward,  slope  their  pointing  spires,  and  roll'd 

In  billows,  leave  i'  th'  midst  a  horrid  vale. 

Then  with  expanded  wings  he  steers  his  flight 

Aloft,  incumbent  on  the  dusky  air 

That  felt  unusual  weight;  till  on  dry  land 

He  lights,  if  it  were  land  that  ever  burn'd 

With  solid,  as  the  lake  with  liquid  fire; 

And  such  appear'd  in  hue :  as  when  the  force 

Of  subterranean  wind  transports  a  hill 

Torn  from  Pelorus,  or  the  shatter'd  side 

Of  thund'ring  ./Etna,  whose  combustible 

And  fuell'd  entrails,  thence  conceiving  fire, 

Sublim'd  with  mineral  fury,  aid  the  winds, 

And  leave  a  singed  bottom  all  involv'd 

With  stench  and  smoke  :  such  resting  found  the  sole 

Of  unblest  feet.     Him  follow'd  his  next  mate, 

Both  glorying  to  have  'scap'd  the  Stygian  flood 

As  gods,  and  by  their  own  recover'd  strength, 

Not  by  the  suff 'ranee  of  supernal  power. 

Is  this  the  region,  this  the  soil,  the  clime, 
Said  then  the  lost  arch-angel,  this  the  seat 
That  we  must  change  for  heaven  ;    this  mournful 
For  that  celestial  light  ?     Be  it  so  !  since  he    [gloom 
Who  now  is  sov'reign  can  dispose  and  bid 
What  shall  be  right :  farthest  from  him  is  best, 
Whom  reason  hath  equall'd,  force  hath  made  supreme 
Above  his  equals  !  Farewell,  happy  fields, 
Where  joy  for  ever  dwells.    Hail  horrors  !  hail 
Infernal  world !  and  thou  profoundest  hell, 
Receive  thy  new  possessor  !  one  who  brings 
A  mind  not  to  be  chang'd  by  place  or  time. 
The  mind  is  its  own  place,  and  in  itself 
Can  make  a  heav'n  of  hell,  a  hell  of  heav'n. 
What  matter  where  if  I  be  still  the  same, 
And  what  I  should  be,  all  but  less  than  he 
Whom  thunder  hath  made  greater  ?     Here  at  least 


22  PARADISE  LOST.  |fiOOK  I 

We  shall  be  free  :  th'  Almighty  hath  not  built 
Here,  for  his  envy  will  not  drive  us  hence  : 
Here  we  may  reign  secure,  and  in  my  choice, 
To  reign  is  worth  ambition,  though  in  hell : 
Better  to  reign  in  hell,  than  serve  in  heav'n ' 
But  wherefore  let  we  then  our  faithful  friends, 
Th'  associates  and  copartners  of  our  loss, 
Lie  thus  astonish'd  on  th'  oblivious  pool, 
And  call  them  not  to  share  with  us  their  part, 
In  this  unhappy  mansion ;  or  once  more 
With  ralli'd  arms,  to  try  what  may  be  yet 
Regain'd  in  heav'n,  or  what  more  lost  in  hell  t 

So  Satan  spake,  and  him  Beelzebub 
Thus  answer'd :  Leader  of  those  armies  bright, 
Which  but  th'  Omnipotent  none  could  have  foiled 
If  once  they  hear  that  voice,  their  liveliest  pledge 
Of  hope  in  fears  and  dangers,  heard  so  oft 
In  worst  extremes,  and  on  the  perilous  edge 
Of  battle  when  it  rag'd,  in  all  assaults 
Their  surest  signal,  they  will  soon  resume 
New  courage,  and  revive,  though  now  they  lie 
Grovelling  and  prostrate  on  yon  lake  of  fire, 
As  we  ere  while,  astounded  and  amaz'd ; 
No  wonder,  fall'n  such  a  pernicious  height. 

He  scarce  had  ceas'd,  when  the  superior  fiend 
Was  moving  to  the  shore  :  his  pond'rous  shield, 
Ethereal  temper,  massy,  large,  and  round, 
Behind  him  cast ;  the  broad  circumference 
Hung  on  his  shoulders  like  the  moon,  whose  orb 
Through  optic  glass  the  Tuscan  artist  views 
At  evening  from  the  top  of  Fesole, 
Or  in  Valdarno,  to  descry  new  lands, 
Eivers,  or  mountains,  in  her  spotty  globe. 
His  spear,  to  equal  which  the  tallest  pine 
Hewn  on  Norwegian  hills,  to  be  the  mast 
Of  some  great  admiral,  were  but  a  wand, 
He  walk'd  with,  to  support  uneasy  steps 
Over  the  burning  marie,  not  like  those  steps 
On  heaven's  azure  ;  and  the  torrid  climp 


BOOK  I.]  PARADISE    LOST.  23 

Smote  on  him  sore  besides,  vaulted  with  fire  : 

Nathless  he  so  endur'd,  till  on  the  beach 

Of  that  inflamed  sea,  he  stood,  and  call'd 

His  legions,  angel  forms,  who  lay  entranc'd 

Thick  as  autumnal  leaves  that  strew  the  brooks 

In  Vallombrosa,  where  th'  Etrurian  shades, 

High  over-arch'd,  embow'r ;  or  scatter'd  sedge 

Afloat,  when  with  fierce  winds  Orion  arm'd 

Hath  vex'd  the  Red-Sea  coast,  whose  waves  o'erthrew 

Busiris  and  his  Memphian  chivalry, 

While  with  perfidious  hatred  they  pursu'd 

The  sojourners  of  Goshen,  who  beheld 

From  the  safe  shore,  their  floating  carcasses 

And  broken  chariot  wheels  :  so  thick  bestrewn, 

Abject  and  lost  lay  these,  covering  the  flood, 

Under  amazement  of  their  hideous  change. 

He  call'd  so  loud,  that  all  the  hollow  deep 

Of  hell  resounded.     Princes,  potentates, 

Warriors,  the  flower  of  heav'n  !  once  yours,  now  lost ' 

If  such  astonishment  as  this  can  seize 

Eternal  spirits  ;  or  have  ye  chosen  this  place. 

After  the  toil  of  battle,  to  repose 

Your  wearied  virtue,  for  the  ease  you  find 

To  slumber  here,  as  in  the  vales  of  heav'n  ? 

Or  in  this  abject  posture  have  ye  sworn 

T'  adore  the  conqueror,  who  now  beholds 

Cherub  and  seraph  rolling  in  the  flood, 

With  scatter'd  arms  and  ensigns,  till  anon 

His  swift  pursuers  from  heav'n's  gates  discern 

Th'  advantage,  and  descending,  tread  us  down 

Thus  drooping,  or  with  link'd  thunderbolts 

Transfix  us  to  the  bottom  of  this  gulf? 

Awake,  arise,  or  be  for  ever  fall'n  ! 

They  heard,  and  were  abash'd,  and  up  they  sprang 
Upon  the  wing  ;  as  when  men  wont  to  watch 
On  duty,  sleeping  found  by  whom  they  dread, 
Rouse,  and  bestir  themselves  ere  well  awake. 
Nor  did  they  not  perceive  the  evil  plight 
In  which  they  were,  or  the  fierce  pains  not  feel ; 


21  PARADIdF   LOST.  |  BOOK 

Yet  to  their  general's  voice  they  soon  obey'd 

Innumerable.     As  when  the  potent  rod 

Of  Amram's  son,  in  Egypt's  evil  day, 

Wav'd  round  the  coast,  up  call'd  a  pitchy  cloud 

Of  locusts,  warping  on  the  eastern  wind, 

That  o'er  the  realm  of  impious  Pharaoh  hung 

Like  nigh*,  and  darken'd  all  the  land  of  Nile : 

So  numberless  were  those  bad  angels  seen 

Hovering  on  wing  under  the  cope  of  hell, 

'Twixt  upper,  nether,  and  surrounding  fires ; 

Till,  as  a  signal  giv'n,  th'  uplifted  spear 

Of  their  great  sultan  waving  to  direct 

Their  course,  in  even  balance  down  they  light 

On  the  firm  brimstone,  and  fill  all  the  plain  ; 

A  multitude,  like  which  the  populous  north 

Pour'd  never  from  her  frozen  loins,  to  pass 

Rhene  or  the  Danaw,  when  her  barb'rous  sons 

Came  like  a  deluge  on  the  south,  and  spread 

Beneath  Gibraltar  to  the  Lybian  sands. 

Forthwith  from  every  squadron,  and  each  band. 

The  heads,  and  leaders,  thither  haste  where  stood 

Their  great  commander  ;  godlike  shapes,  and  forms 

Excelling  human  ;  princely  dignities, 

And  pow'rs  that  erst  in  heaven  sat  on  thrones  ; 

Though  of  their  names  in  heav'nly  records  now 

Be  no  memorial,  blotted  out  and  raz'd 

By  their  rebellion,  from  the  book  of  life. 

Nor  had  they  yet  among  the  sons  of  Eve 

Got  them  new  names,  till,  wand'ring  o'er  the  earth. 

Through  God's  high  sufF'rance  for  the  trial  of  man ; 

By  falsities  and  lies,  the  greatest  part 

Of  mankind  they  corrupted  to  forsake 

God  their  Creator,  and  th'  invisible 

Glory  of  him  that  made  them,  to  transform 

Oft  to  the  image  of  a  brute,  adorn 'd 

With  gay  religions,  full  of  pomp  and  gold, 

And  devils  to  adore  for  deities : 

Then  were  they  known  to  men  by  various  namee. 


BOOK  I.J  PARADISE   LOsT.  *J5 

And  various  idols  through  the  heathen  world.      |!asi. 
Say,  Muse,  their  names  then  known  ;   who  first,  wiio 
Rous'd  from  the  slumber,  on  that  fiery  couch,  ' 
At  their  great  emp'ror's  call,  as  next  in  worth 
Came  singly  where  he  stood  on  the  bare  strand, 
While  the  promiscuous  crowd  stood  yet  aloof. 
The  chief  were  those,  who,  from  the  pit  of  hell 
Roaming  to  seek  their  prey  on  earth,  durst  fix 
Their  seats  long  after,  next  the  seat  of  God. 
Their  altars  by  his  altar ;  gods  ador'd 
Among  the  nations  round ;  and  durst  abide 
Jehovah  thund'ring  out  of  Sion,  thron'd 
Between  the  cherubim ;  yea,  often  plac'd 
Within  his  sanctuary  itself,  their  shrines, 
Abominations  ;  and  with  cursed  things 
His  holy  rites  and  solemn  feasb.  p^ofan'd, 
And  with  their  darkness  durst  affront  his  light. 
First,  Moloch,  horrid  king,  besmrar'd  with  blood 
Of  human  sacrifice,  and  parents'  teais. 
Though,  for  the  noise  of  drums  and  timbrels  lo\id 
Their   children's  cries  unheard,  that  passed  through 
To  his  grim  idol.     Him  the  Ammonite  (Hit 

Worshipp'd  in  Rabba  and  her  wat'ry  plain, 
In  Argob,  and  in  Basan,  to  the  stream 
Of  utmost  Arnon  ;  nor  content  with  such 
Audacious  neighbourhood,  the  wisest  heart 
Of  Solomon,  he  led  by  fraud,  to  build 
His  temple  right  against  the  temple  of  God, 
On  that  opprobrious  hill ;  and  made  his  grove 
The  pleasant  valley  of  Hinnom.  Tophet  thence 
And  black  Gehenna  cali'd,  the  type  of  hell. 
Next,  Chemos,  th'  obscene  dread  of  Moab's  sons. 
From  Aroar  to  Nebo,  and  the  wild 
Of  southmost  Abarim  :  in  Hesebon 
And  Horonaim,  Seon's  realm,  beyond 
The  flow'ry  dale  of  Sibma  clad  with  vines, 
And  Eleale  to  th'  Asphaltic  pool. 
Peor  his  other  name,  when  he  entic'd 
Israel  in  Sittim.  on  their  march  from  Ni'r, 
3 


2&  PAI:APISK  LOW.  \  JOOK  ,. 

To  Jo  him  wanton  rites,  which  cost  them  .vo 
Yet  thence  his  lustful  orgies  he  enlarg'd 

D  O 

E'en  to  that  hill  of  scandal,  by  the  grove 

Of  Moloch  homicide,  lust  hard  by  hate  • 

Till  good  Josiah  drove  them  thence  to  hell. 

With  these  came  they,  who,  from  the  bord'riruj  flond 

Of  old  Euphrates,  to  the  brook  that  parts 

Egypt  from  Syrian  ground,  had  general  names 

Of  Baalim  and  Ashtorath,  those  male, 

These  feminine  :  for  spirits,  when  they  please. 

Can  either  sex  assume,  or  both  ;  so  soft 

And  uncompounded  is  their  essence  pure, 

Not  tied  or  manacled  with  joint  or  lirnb, 

Nor  founded  on  the  brittle  strength  of  bones, 

Like  cumbrous  flesh ;  but,  in  what  shape  they  choose 

Dilated  or  condens'd,  bright  or  obscure, 

Can  execute  their  airy  purposes, 

And  works  of  love  or  enmity  fulfil. 

For  those  the  race  of  Israel  oft  forsook 

Their  living  strength,  and  unfrequented  left 

His  righteous  altar,  bowing  lowly  down 

To  bestial  gods  ;  for  which  their  heads  as  low 

Bow'd  down  in  battle,  sunk  before  the  spear 

Of  despicable  foes.     With  these  in  troop 

Came  Astoreth,  whom  the  Phoenicians  call'd 

Astarte,  queen  of  Heav'n,  with  crescent  horns : 

To  whose  bright  image  nightly  by  the  moon, 

Sidonian  virgins  paid  their  vows  and  songs  ; 

In  Sion,  also  not  unsung,  where  stood 

Her  temple  or!  th'  offensive  mountain,  built 

By  that  uxorious  king,  whose  heart,  though  large, 

Beguil'd  by  fair  idolatresses,  fell 

To  idols  foul.     Thammuz  came  next  behind, 

Whose  annual  wound  in  Lebanon,  allur'd 

The  Syrian  damsels  to  lament  his  fate 

In  amorous  ditties  all  a  summer's  day, 

While  smooth  Adonis  from  his  native  rock 

Ran  purple  to  the  sea,  suppose  1  with  bloot! 

Of  Thammii^  yearly  wounded :  the  iove-Utlo 


BOOK  l.J  PAUAIUSE  LOST.  27 

Infected  Sion's  daughters  with  like  heat, 

Whose  wanton  passions  in  the  sacred  porch, 

Ezekiel  saw,  when,  by  the  vision  led, 

His  eye  survey'd  the  dark  idolatries 

Of  alienated  Judah.     Next  came  one 

Who  mourn'd  in  earnest  when  the  captive  ark 

Maim'd  his  brute  image,  head  and  hands  lopt  otf 

In  his  own  temple,  on  the  grunsel  edge,* 

Where  he  fell  flat,  and  sham'd  his  worshippers. 

Dagon  his  name,  sea  monster,  upward  man 

And  downward  fish  :  yet  had  his  temple  high 

Kear'd  in  Azotus,  dreaded  through  the  coast 

Of  Palestine,  in  Gath  and  Ascalon, 

And  Accaron,  and  Gaza's  frontier  bounds. 

Him  follow'd  Rimmon,  whose  delightful  seat 

Was  fair  Damascus,  on  the  fertile  banks 

Of  Abbana  and  Pharphar,  lucid  streams. 

He  also  'gainst  the  house  of  God  was  bold : 

A  leper  once  he  lost,  and  gain'd  a  king, 

Ahaz,  his  sottish  conqu'ror,  whom  he  drew 

God's  altar  to  disparage,  and  displace 

For  one  of  Syrian  mode,  whereon  to  burn 

His  odious  off'rings,  and  adore  the  gods 

Whom  he  had  vanquish'd.     After  these,  appear'd 

A  crew,  who,  under  names  of  old  renown, 

Osiris,  Isis,  Orus,  and  their  train, 

With  monstrous  shapes  and  sorceries,  abus'd 

Fanatic  Egypt  and  her  priests,  to  seek 

Their  wand'ring  gods,  disguis'd  in  brutish  forms; 

Rather  than  human      Nor  did  Israel  'scape 

Th'  infection,  when  their  borrow'd  gold  compos  d 

The  calf  in  Oreb  ;  and  the  rebel  king 

Doubled  that  sin  in  Bethel  and  in  Dan, 

Likening  his  Maker  to  the  grazed  ox, 

Jehovah,  who  in  one  night,  when  he  pass'd 

From  Egypt  marching,  equall'd  with  one  stroke 

Both  her  first-born  a»d  all  her  bleating  gods. 


*  "  Grunsel,  or  jjrouncl-iil  edge:''  the  threshold  of  the  temp'--  --rate 


28  FARADISB  LOST.  [BOOK  1 

Belial  came  last,  than  whom,  a  spirit  more  lew] 
Fell  not  from  heav'n,  or  more  gross  to  love 
Vice  for  itself:   to  him  no  temple  stood, 
Or  altar  smok'd  :  yet  who  more  oft  than  he 
In  temples,  and  at  altars,  when  the  priest 
Turns  atheist  ?  as  did  Eli's  sons,  who  fill'd 
With  lust  and  violence  the  house  of  God  ' 

n  courts  and  palaces  he  also  reigns, 
And  in  luxurious  cities,  where  the  noise 
Of  riot  ascends  above  their  loftiest  towers, 
And  injury,  and  outrage  :  and  when  night 
Darkens  the  streets,  then  wander  forth  the  sons 
Of  Belial,  flown  with  insolence  and  wine. 
Witness  the  streets  of  Sodom,  and  that  night 
In  Gibeah,  when  the  hospitable  door 
Expos 'd  a  matron  to  avoid  worse  rape. 
These  were  the  prime  in  order,  and  in  might  ; 
The  rest  were  long  to  tell,  though  far  renown 'd, 
Th'  Ionian  gods,  of  Javan's  issue,  held 
Gods,  yet  confess'd  later  than  heav'n  and  earth. 
Their  boasted  parents  :  1  uin,  heav'n's  first-born, 
With  his  enormous  brooa,  and  birthright  sei/'d 
By  younger  Saturn  ;  he  from  mightier  Jove, 
His  own  and  Rhea's  son,  like  measure  found  , 
So  Jove  usurping  reign'd  :  these  first  in  Crete 
And  Ida  known,  thence  on  the  snowy  top 
Of  cold  Olympus,  rul'd  the  middle  air, 
Their  highest  Heav'n  ;  or  on  the  Delphian  cliff", 
Or  in  Dodona,  and  through  all  the  bounds 
Of  Doric  land ;  or  who  with  Saturn  old 
Fled  o'er  Adria  to  th'  Hesperian  fields, 
And  o'er  the  Celtic  roam'd  the  utmost  isles. 

All  these  and  more  came  flocking ;  but  with  looks 

Down-cast  and  damp  ;  yet  such  wherein  appear'd 
Obscure  some  glimpse  of  joy,  t'  have  found  their  chid 
Not  in  despair,  t'  have  found  themselves  not  lost 
In  loss  itself;  which  on  his  count'nance  cast 
Like  doubtful  hue  :  but  he,  his  wonted  pride 

Soon  recollecting,  with  high  \vcrds.  that  bore 


BOOK   I.]  PARADISE   LOST. 

Semblance  of  worth,  not  substance,  gently  rajs'cl 

Their  fainting  courage,  and  dispell'd  their  fears. 

Then  straight  commands  that  at.  the  warlike  sound 

Of  trumpets  loud,  and  clarions,  be  uprsar'd 

His  mighty  standard  :  that  proud  honour  claim'd 

Azazel  as  his  right,  a  cherub  tall ; 

Who  forthwith  from  the  glitt'ring  staff  unfurl'd 

Th'  imperial  ensign,  which  full  high  ad  vane 'd, 

Shone  like  a  meteor  streaming  to  the  wind. 

With  gems  and  golden  lustre  rich  emblaz'd, 

Seraphic  arms  and  trophies  ;  all  the  while 

Sonorous  metal  blowing  martial  sounds  • 

At  which  the  universal  host  up-sent 

A  shout,  that  tore  hell's  concave,  and  beyond 

Frighted  the  reign  of  Chaos  and  old  Night. 

All  in  a  moment  through  the  gloom  were  seen 

Ten  thousand  banners  rise  into  the  air, 

With  orient  colours  waving:  with  them  rose 

A  forest  huge  of  spears  ;  and  thronging  helms 

Appear'd,  and  serried  shields*  in  thick  array, 

Of  depth  immeasureable :  anon  they  move 

In  perfect  plialanx  to  the  Dorian  mood 

Of  flutes  and  soft  recorders ;  such  as  rais'd 

To  height  of  noblest  temper,  heroes  old 

Arming  to  battle ;  and,  instead  of  rage, 

Deliberate  valour  breath'd,  firm  and  unmov'd 

With  dread  of  death  to  flight,  or  foul  retreat ; 

Nor  wanting  pow'r  to  mitigate  and  'swage 

With  solemn  touches  troubled  thoughts,  and  chase 

Anguish,  and  doubt,  and  fear,  and  sorrow,  and  pain, 

From  mortal  or  immortal  minds.     Thus  they, 

Breathing  united  force,  with  fix'd  thought, 

Mov'd  on  in  silence  to  soft  pipes,  that  charm 'd 

Their  painful  steps  o'er  the  burnt  soil ;  and  now 

Advanc'd  in  view  they  stand,  a  horrid  front 

Of  dreadful  length  and  dazzling  arms,  in  guise 

Of  warriors  old,  with  order'd  spear  and  shield, 

*  "  Serried  shield  ;''  locked  ;  from  the  French  Scrrer 

3* 


"0  PARADISE  LOST. 

Awaiting  what  command  their  mighty  chief 
Had  to  impose :  he  through  the  armed  files 
Darts  his  experienc'd  eye,  and  soon  traverse 
The  whole  battallion,  views  their  order  due. 
Their  visages  and  stature  as  of  gods ; 
Their  number  last  he  sums.     And  now  his  heart 
Distends  with  pride,  and  hard'ning,  in  his  strength 
Glories  :  for  never  since  created  man, 
Met  such  embodi'd  force,  as  nam'd  with  these. 
Could  merit  more  than  that  small  infantry 
Warr'd  on  by  cranes ;  though  all  the  giant  brood 
Of  Phlegra  with  th'  heroic  race  were  join'd 
That  fought  at  Thebes  and  Ilium,  on  each  side 
Mix'd  with  auxiliar  gods  ;  and  what  resounds 
In  fable  or  romance  of  Uther's  son, 
Begirt  with  British  and  Armoric  knights  - 
And  all  who  since,  baptiz'j  or  infidel, 
Jousted  in  Aspramont,  or  Montalban. 
Damasco,  or  Marocco,  or  Trebisond, 
Or  whom  Biserta  sent  from  Afric  shore, 
When  Charlemagne  with  all  his  peerage  fell 
By  Fontarabbia.     Thus  far  these,  beyond 
Compare  of  mortal  prowess,  yet  observ  d 
Their  dread  commander:  he,  above  the  res; 
In  shape  and  gesture  proudly  eminent, 
Stood  like  a  tower  :  his  form  had  yet  not  lost 
All  her  original  brightness,  nor  appear'd 
Less  than  archangel  ruin'd  and  th'  excess 
Of  glory  obscur'd :  as  when  the  sun,  new  risen. 
Looks  through  the  horizontal  misty  air, 
Shorn  of  his  beams ;  or  from  behind  the  moon 
In  dim  eclipse,  disastrous  twilight  sheds 
On  half  the  nations,  and  with  fear  of  change 
erplexes  monarchs.     Darken'd  so,  yet  shone 
Above  them  all,  th'  archangel :  but  his  face 
Deep  scars  of  thunder  had  intrench'd,  and  care 
Sat  on  his  faded  cheetf,  but  under  brows 
Of  dauntless  courage,  and  considerate  pride 
Waiting  revenge  :  cruel  hn  eye,  but  cast 


BOOK  I.  j  PAKAD1SE  LOST.       .  UJ 

Signs  of  remorse  and  passion  to  behold 
The  fellows  of  his  crime,  the  followers  rather, 
(Far  other  once  beheld  in  bliss,)  condemn'd 
For  ever  now  to  have  their  lot  in  pain, 
Millions  of  spirits  for  his  fault  amerc'd 
Of  heav'n,  and  from  eternal  splendours  flung 
For  his  revolt,  yet  faithful  how  they  stood, 
Their  glory  wither'd :  as  when  heaven's  fire 
Hath  scath'd  the  forest  oaks,  or  mountain  pines, 
With  singed  top  their  stately  growth  though  bare, 
Stands  on  the  blasted  heath.     He  now  prepar'd 
To  speak ;  whereat  their  doubled  ranks  they  bend 
From  wing  to  wing,  and  half  enclose  him  round 
With  all  his  peers :  attention  held  them  mute. 
Thrice  he  assay'd,  and  thrice  in  spite  of  scorn, 
Tears,  such  as  angels  weep,  burst  forth !  at  last 
Words,  interwove  with  sighs,  found  out  their  way 

O  myriads  of  immortal  spirits  !  O  powers 
Matchless,  but  with  th'  Almighty !  and  that,  strife 
Was  not  inglorious,  though  th'  event  was  dire, 
As  this  place  testifies,  and  this  dire  change, 
Hateful  to  utter  !  but  what  pow'r  of  mind, 
Foreseeing  or  presaging,  from  the  depth 
Of  knowledge  past,  or  present,  could  have  fear'd 
How  such  united  force  of  gods,  how  such 
As  stood  like  these,  could  ever  know  repulse  ? 
For  who  can  yet  believe,  though  after  loss, 
That  all  these  puissant  legions,  whose  exile 
Hath  emptied  heav'n,  shall  fail  to  reascend, 
Self-rais'd,  and  repossess  their  native  seat  ? 
For  me,  be  witness  all  the  host  of  heaven, 
If  counsels  different,  or  dangers  shunn'd 
By  me,  have  lost  our  hopes.     But  he,  who  reigns 
Monarch  in  heav'n,  till  then  as  one  secure 
Sat  on  his  throne,  upheld  by  old  repute, 
Consent  or  custom,  and  his  regal  state 
Put  forth  at  full,  but  still  his  strength  conceal "d, 
Which  tempted  our  attempt,  and  wrought  our  fait, 
Henceforth  his  might  we  know,  and  know  our  own. 


J'J  PARADISE   LOST.  !  IUIMK  1 

So  as  not  either  to  provoke,  or  dread 

New  war  provok'd !  our  better  part  remains 

To  work  in  close  design,  by  fraud  or  guile, 

What  force  effected  not :  that  he  no  less 

At  length  from  us  may  find,  who  overcomes 

By  force,  hath  overcome  but  half  his  foe. 

Space  may  produce  new  worlds  ;  whereof  so  rife 

There  went  a  fame  in  heav'n  that  he  ere  long 

Intended  to  create,  and  therein  plant 

A  generation,  whom  his  choice  regard 

Should  favour  equal  to  the  sons  of  heaven  ; 

Thither,  if  but  to  pry,  shall  be  perhaps 

Our  first  eruption,  thither  or  elsewhere  * 

For  this  infernal  pit  shall  never  hold 

Celestial  spirits  in  bondage,  nor  th'  abyss 

Long  under  darkness  cover.     But  these  thoughts 

Full  counsel  must  mature  :  peace  is  despair'd  ; 

For  who  can  think  submission  ?     War  then,  war 

Open  or  understood,  must  be  resolv'd. 

He  spake:  and  to  confirm  his  words,  out  flew 
Millions  of  flaming  swords,  drawn  from  the  thighs 
Of  mighty  cherubim  ;  the  sudden  blaze 
Far  round  illumin'd  hell :  highly  they  rag'd 
Against  the  Highest,  and  fierce  with  grasped  arm? 
Clash'd  on  their  sounding  shields  the  din  of  war, 
Hurling  defiance  toward  the  vault  of  heav'n. 

There  stood  a  hill  not  far,  whose  grisly  top 
Belch'd  fire  and  rolling  smoke ;  the  rest  entire 
Shone  with  a  glossy  scurf,  undoubted  sign 
That  in  his  womb  was  hid  metallic  ore, 
The  work  of  sulphur.     Thither,  wing'd  with  speed, 
A  num'rous  brigade  hasten'd :  as  when  bands 
Of  pioneers,  with  spade  and  pickaxe  arm'd, 
Forerun  the  royal  camp,  to  trench  a  field, 
jQr  cast  a  rampart.     Mammon  led  them  on, 
Mammon,  the  least  erected  spirit  that  fell 
From  heav'n;  for  e'en  in  heaven  his  looks  and  thought? 
Were  always  downward  bent,  admiring  more 
The  riches  of  heaven's  pavement,  trodden  gold, 


BOOK  I.-]  PARADISE  LOST.  33 

Than  ought  divine  or  holy  else  enjoy'd 

In  vision  beatific ;  by  him  first 

Men  also,  and  by  his  suggestion  taught, 

Ransack'd  the  centre,  and  with  impious  hands, 

Rifled  the  bowels  of  their  mother  earth 

For  treasures  better  hid.     Soon  had  his  crew 

Open'd  into  the  hill  a  spacious  wound, 

And  digg'd  out  ribs  of  gold.     Let  none  admire 

That  riches  grow  in  hell ;  that  soil  may  best 

Deserve  the  precious  bane.     And  here  let  those, 

Who  boast  in  mortal  things,  and  wond'ring,  tell 

Of  Babel,  and  the  works  of  Memphian  kings, 

Learn  how  thefr  greatest  monuments  of  fame, 

And  strength,  and  art,  are  easily  outdone 

By  spirits  reprobate,  and  in  an  hour 

What  in  an  age  they,  with  incessant  toil 

And  hands  innumerable,  scarce  perform. 

igh  on  the  plain  in  many  cells  prepar'd, 
That  underneath  had  veins  of  liquid  fire 
Sluic'd  from  the  lake,  a  second  multitude 
With  wond'rous  art  founded  the  massy  ore, 
Sev'ring  each  kind,  and  scumm'd  the  bullion  dross  ; 
A  third  as  soon  had  form'd  within  the  ground 
A  various  mould,  and  from  the  boiling  cells 
By  strange  conveyance  fill'd  each  hollow  nook  : 
As  in  an  organ,  from  one  blast  of  wind, 
To  many  a  row  of  pipes  the  soundboard  breathes. 
Anon  out  of  the  earth  a  fabric  huge 
Rose  like  an  exhalation,  with  the  sound 
Of  dulcet  symphonies  and  voices  sweet, 
Built  like  a  temple,  where  pilasters  round 
Were  set,  and  Doric  pillars  overlaid 
With  golden  architrave  ;  nor  did  they  want 
Cornice  or  frieze,  with  bossy  sculptures  graven  t 
The  roof  was  fretted  gold.     Not  Babylon, 
Nor  great  Alcairo,  such  magnificence 
Equall'd  in  all  their  glories,  to  enshrine 
Belus  or  Serapis,  their  gods,  or  seat 
Their  kings,  when  Egypt  with  Assyria  strove 


J4  PAKADISK   LOST.  [  COOK   I 

In  wealth  and  luxury.     Th'  ascendmg  pile 

Stood  fix'd  her  stately  height ;  and  straight  the  doors, 

Opening  their  brazen  folds,  discover  w'de 

Within,  her  ample  spaces,  o'er  the  smooth 

And  level  pavement ;  from  the  arched  roo> 

Pendent  by  subtle  magic,  many  a  row 

Of  starry  lamps  and  blazing  cressets,  fed 

With  naphtha  and  asphaltus,  yielded  light 

As  from  a  sky.     The  hasty  multitude 

Admiring  enter'd  ;  and  the  work  some  praise. 

And  some  the  architect :  his  hand  was  known 

In  heaven  by  many  a  tower'd  structure  high, 

Where  scepter'd  angels  held  their  residence, 

And  sat  as  princes,  whom  the  supreme  King 

Exalted  to  such  a  pow'r,  and  gave  to  rule, 

Each  in  his  hierachy,  the  orders  bright. 

Nor  was  his  name  unheard  or  unador'd 

In  ancient  Greece ;  and  in  Ausonian  land 

Men  call'd  him  Mulciber  ;  and  how  he  fell 

From  heaven,  they  fabled,  thrown  by  angry  Jove 

Sheer  o'er  the  crystal  battlements :  from  morn 

To  noon  he  fell,  from  noon  to  dewy  eye, 

A  summer's  day ;  and  with  the  setting  sun 

Dropt  from  the  zenith  like  a  falling  star, 

On  Lernnos  th'  jEgean  isle  :  thus  they  relate, 

Erring ;  for  he  with  this  rebellious  rout 

Fell  long  before  ;  nor  aught  avail'd  him  now 

T'  have  built  in  heav'n  high  tow'rs  ;  nor  did  he  'saip 

By  all  his  engines,  but  was  headlong  sent 

With  his  industrious  crew  to  build  in  hell. 

Meanwhile  the  winged  heralds,  by  command 
Of  sov'reign  pow'r,  with  awful  ceremony 
And  trumpet's  sound«  throughout  the  host  proclaim 
A  solemn  council,  forthwith  to  be  held 
At  Pandemonium,  the  high  capital 
Of  Satan  and  his  peers  :  their  summons  call'd 
From  every  band  and  squared  regiment 
By  place  or  choice  the  worthiest ;  they  anon 
With  hundreds  and  with  thousands  irooping  camo 


BOOK    '  ]  .PARADISE    LOST.  35 

Attended  :  all  access  was  throng'd  ;  the  gates 

And  porches  wide,  hut  chief  the  spacious  hall 

(Though  like  a  cover'd  field,  where  champions  bold 

Wont  ride  in  arm'd,  and  at  the  Soldan's  chair, 

Defied  the  best  of  Panim  chivalry 

To  mortal  combat,  or  career  with  lance) 

Thick  swarm'd  both  on  the  ground,  and  in  the  ;»ir 

Brush'd  with  the  hiss  of  rustling  wings.     As  b«-H.s 

in  spring  time,  when  the  sun  with  Taurus  rides, 

Pour  forth  the  pop'lous  youth  about  the  hive 

In  clusters  ;  they  among  fresh  dews  and  flow'rs 

Fly  to  and  fro,  or  on  the  smoothed  plank, 

The  suburb  of  their  straw-built  citadel 

New  rubb'd  with  balm,  expatiate  and  confer 

Their  state  affairs.     So  thick  the  airy  crowd 

Swarm'd  and  were  straiten'd;  till,  the  signal  givi-n, 

Behold  a  wonder  !     They  but  now  who  secm'd 

In  bigness  to  surpass  earth's  giant  sons, 

Now  less  than  smallest  dwarfs,  in  narrow  room 

Throng  numberless;  like  that  pygmean  race 

Beyond  the  Indian  mount ;  or  fairy  elves, 

Whose  midnight  revels,  by  a  forest  side 

Or  fountain,  some  belated  peasant  sees, 

Or  dreams  he  sees,  while  over-head'  the  moon 

Sits  arbitress,  and  nearer  to  the  earth 

Wheels  her  pale  course ;  they,  on  their  mirth  and  d;mce 

Intent,  with  jocund  music  charm  his  ear; 

At  once  with  joy  and  fear  his  heart  rebounds. 

Thus  incorporeal  spirits  to  smallest  forms 

Reduc'd  their  shapes  immense,  and  were  at  large, 

Though  without  number  still,  amidst  the  hall 

Of  that  infernal  court.     But  far  within, 

And  in  their  own  dimensions,  like  themselves, 

The  great  seraphic  lords  and  cherubim 

In  close  recess  and  secret  conclave  sat ; 

A  thousand  demi-gods  on  golden  seats, 

Freoueni  and  full.      After  short  silence  then. 

Ana  summons  read,  tne  areas:  consult  oe?an 

END    OF    THE    FIRST    HO^K.. 


THE 

SECOND  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


THE  consultation  begun,  Satan  dpbatcs  whether  another  battle  r* 
to  be  hazarded  for  the  recovery  of  Heaven  :  Some  advise  it, 
others  dissuade  :  A  third  proposal  is  preferred,  mentioned  before 
by  Satan,  to  search  the  truth  of  that  prophecy  or  tradition  in 
Heaven  concerning  another  world,  and  another  kind  of  creature, 
equal,  or  not  much  inferior  to  themselves,  about  this  time  to  be 
created :  Their  doubt  who  shall  be  sent  on  this  difficult  search  ; 
Satan,  their  chief,  undertakes  alone  the  voyage,  is  honoured  and 
applauded.  The  council  thus  ended,  the  rest  betake  them  sev- 
eral ways,  and  to  several  employments,  as  their  inclinations  lead 
them,  to  entertain  the  time  till  Satan  return.  He  passes  on 
his  journey  to  Hell  gates,  finds  them  shut,  and  who  sat  there 
to  guard  them,  by  whom  at  length  they  are  opened,  and  discover 
to  him  the  great  gulf  between  Hell  and  Heaven  ;  with  what  dif- 
ficulty he  passes  through,  directed  by  Chaos,  the  Power  of  that 
ulac«,  to  the  sight  of  the  new  world  which  he  sought. 


PARADISE    LOST 


BOOK  II. 

HTGH  on  a  throne  of  royal  state,  which  far 

Outshone  the  wealth  of  Ormus,  and  of  Ind, 

Or  where  the  gorgeous  east  with  richest  han'l 

Show'rs  on  her  kings  barbaric  pearl  and  gold. 

Satan  exalted  sat,  by  merit  rais'd 

To  that  bad  eminence  ;  and  from  despair 

Thus  high  uplifted  beyond  hope,  aspires 

Beyond  thus  high,  insatiate  to  pursue 

Vain  war  with  heav'n,  and  by  success  untaught. 

His  proud  imaginations  thus  display  d. 

Pow'rs  and  Dominions,  Deities  of  heav'n, 
For  since  no  deep  within  her  gulf  can  hold 
Immortal  vigour,  though  oppress'd  and  fallen, 
I  give  not  heav'n  for  lost.     From  this  descent 
Celestial  virtues  rising,  will  appear. 
More  glorious  and  more  dread  than  from  no  fall  , 
And  trust  themselves  to  fear  no  second  fate. 
Me,  though  just  right,  and  the  fix'd  laws  of  heav'n, 
Did  first  create  your  leader,  next  free  choice, 
With  what  besides,  in  council  or  in  fight, 
Hath  been  achiev'd  of  merit,  yet  this  loss 
Thus  far  at  least  recover'd  hath  much  more 
Establish'd  in  a  safe  unenvied  throne, 
Yielded  with  full  consent.     The  happier  state 
In  luttiv'n,  which  follows  dignity,  might  draw 
Envy  Irom  each  inferior  •  but  who  here 


40  PARADISE   U)ST.  [BOOK  Jl 

Will  envy  whom  the  highest  place,  exposes 
Foremost  to  stand  against  the  Thund'rer's  aim, 
Your  bulwark,  and  condemns  to  greater  share 
Of  endless  pain  ?  where  there  is  then  no  good 
For  which  to  strive,  no  strife  can  grow  up  there 
From  faction  ;  for  none  sure  will  claim  in  hell 
Precedence,  none  whose  portion  is  so  small 
Of  present  pain,  that  with  ambitious  mind 
Will  covet  more.    With  this  advantage  then 
To  union  and  firm  faith,  and  firm  accord, 
More  than  can  be  in  heav'n,  we  now  return 
To  claim  our  just  inheritance  of  old, 
Surer  to  prosper  than  prosperity 
Could  have  assur'd  us ;  and  by  what  best  way, 
Whether  of  open  war  or  covert  guile, 
We  now  debate  ;  who  can  advise,  may  speak. 

He  ceas'd,  and  next  him  Moloch,  scepter'd  king 
Stood  up,  the  strongest  and  the  fiercest  Spirit 
That  fought  in  heav'n,  now  fiercer  by  despair 
His  trust  was  with  th'  Eternal  to  be  deem'd 
Equal  in  strength,  and  rather  than  be  less 
Car'd  not  to  be  at  all ;  with  that  care  lost 
Went  all  his  fear :  of  God,  or  heli,  or  worse 
He  reck'd  not,  and  these  words  thereafter  spake  : 

My  sentence  is  for  open  war ;  of  wiles, 
More  unexpert,  I  boast  not ;  them  let  those 
Contrive  who  need,  or  when  they  need,  not  now 
For  while  they  sit  contriving,  shall  the  rest, 
Millions  that  stand  in  arms  and  longing  wait 
The  signal  to  ascend,  sit  ling'ring  here, 
Heav'n's  fugitives,  and  for  their  dwelling  place 
Accept  this  dark  opprobrious  den  of  shame, 
The  prison  of  his  tyranny  who  reigns 
By  our  delay?     No,  let  us  rather  choose, 
Arm'd  with  hell  flames  and  fury,  all  at  once 
O'er  heav'n's  high  tow'rs  to  force  resistless  way 
Turning  our  Tort'rer  into  horrid  arms 
Against  the  torturer:  when  to  meet  the  noise 
Of  his  almighty  engine,  he  shall  hear 


BOOK  II.]  PARADISE  LOST. 

Infernal  thunder,  and  for  lightning  see 
Black  fire  arid  horror  shot  with  equal  rage 
Among  his  Angels,  and  his  throne  itself 
Mix'd  with  Tartarean  sulphur,  and  strange  fire, 
His  own  invented  torments.     But  perhaps 
The  way  seems  difficult  and  steep  to  scale 
With  upright  wing,  against  a  higher  foe. 
Let  such  bethink  them,  if  the  sleepy  drenci 
Of  that  forgetful  lake  benumb  not  still, 
That  in  our  proper  motion  we  ascend 
Up  to  our  native  seat :  descent  and  fall 
To  us  is  adverse.     Who  but  felt  of  late, 
When  the  fierce  foe  hung  o'er  our  broken  rear 
Insulting,  and  pursu'd  us  through  the  deep, 
With  what  compulsion  and  laborious  flight 
We  sunk  thus  low?     Th'  ascent  is  easy  then  ; 
Th'  event  is  fear'd :  should  we  again  provoke 
Our  stronger,  some  worse  way  his  wrath  may  find 
To  our  destruction  ;  if  there  be  in  hell 
Fear  to  be  worse  destroy'd  ;  what  can.be  worse 
Than  to  dwell  here,  driv'n  out  from  bliss,  condemn 
In  this  abhorred  deep  to  utter  wo  ; 
Where  pain  of  unextinguishable  fire 
Must  exercise  us  without  hope  of  end 
The  vassals  of  his  anger,  when  the  scourge 
Inexorably,  and  the  tort'ring  hour 
Calls  us  to  penance?     More  destroy'd  than  thus 
We  should  be  quite  abolish'd  and  expire. 
What  fear  we  then  ?  what  doubt  we  to  incense 
His  utmost  ire  ?  which  to  the  height  enrag'd, 
Will  either  quite  consume  us,  and  reduce 
To  nothing  this  essential,  happier  far 
Than  miserable  to  have  eternal  being  : 
Or  if  our  substance  be  indeed  divine, 
And  cannot  cease  to  be,  we  are  at  worst 
On  this  side  nothing:  and  by  proof,  we  feel 
Our  pow'r  sufficient  to  disturb  his  heav'n, 
And  with  perpetual  inroads  to  alarm, 
4  * 


12  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IS. 

Though  inaccesible,  his  fatal  throne  :* 
Which  if  not  victory,  is  yet  revenge. 

He  ended  frowning,  and  his  look  denounc.'d 
Desp'rate  revenge,  and  battle  dangerous 
To  less  than  gods.     On  th'  other  side  rose  up 
Belial,  in  act  more  graceful  and  humane  ; 
A  fairer  person  lost  not  heav'n  ;  he  seem'd 
For  dignity  compos'd  and  high  exploit : 
But  all  was  false  and  hollow  ;  though  his  tongue 
Dropt  manna,  and  could  make  the  worse  appear 
The  better  reason,  to  perplex  and  dash 
Maturest  counsels :  for  his  thoughts  were  low  ; 
To  vice  industrious,  but  to  nobler  deeds 
Tim'rous  and  slothful :  yet  he  pleas'd  the  ear, 
And  with  persuasive  accent  thus  began. 

I  should  be  much  for  open  war,  O  peers  ! 
As  not  behind  in  hate  ;  if  what  was  urg'd 
Main  reason  to  persuade  immediate  war, 
Did  not  dissuade  me  most,  and  seem  to  cast 
Ominous  conjecture  on  the  whole  success  : 
When  he  who  most  excels  in  feats  of  arms, 
In  what  he  counsels  and  in  what  excels ; 
Mistrustful  grounds  his  courage  on  despair, 
And  utter  dissolution,  as  the  scope 
Of  all  his  aim,  after  some  dire  revenge. 
First,  what  revenge?  the  tow'rs  of  heav'n  are  fill'ti 
With  armed  watch,  that  renders  all  access 
Impregnable ;  oft  on  the  bord'ring  deep 
Incamp  their  legions,  or  with  obscure  wing 
Scout  far  and  wide  into  the  realm  of  night, 
Scorning  surprise.     Or  could  we  break  our  way 
By  force,  and  at  our  heels  all  hell  should  rise 
With  blackest  insurrection,  to  confound 
Heav'n's  purest  light,  yet  our  great  enemy, 
All  incorruptible,  would  on  his  throne 
Sit  unpolluted,  and  th'  etherial  mould 
Incapable  of  stain  would  soon  expel 


*"  His  fatal  throne  :"  fated,  or  upheld  by  fate. 


I!.]  PARADISE  LOST.  4H 


Her  mischief,  arid  purge  off  the  baser  fire 
Victorious.     Thus  repuls'd  our  final  hope 
Is  flat  despair;  we  must  exasperate 
Th'  almighty  victor  to  spend  all  his  rage, 
And  that  must  end  us,  that  must  be  our  cure. 
To  be  no  more  ;  sad  cure  ;  for  who  would  lose, 
Though  full  of  pain,  this  intellectual  being, 
Those  thoughts  that  wander  through  eternity, 
To  perish  rather,  swallow'd  up  and  lost 
In  the  wide  womb  of  uncreated  night, 
Devoid  of  sense  and  motion  ?  and  who  knows, 
Let  this  be  good,  whether  our  angry  foe 
Can  give  it,  or  will  ever  ?  how  he  can, 
Is  doubtful;  that  he  never  will,  is  sure. 
Will  he,  so  wise,  let  loose  at  once  his  ire, 
Belike  through  impotence,  or  unaware, 
To  give  his  enemies  their  wish,  and  end 
Them  in  his  anger,  whom  his  anger  saves 
To  punish  endless  ?     Wherefore  cease  we  then  ? 
Say  they  who  counsel  war,  we  are  decreed, 
Reserv'd,  and  destin'd  to  eternal  wo; 
Whatever  doing,  what  can  we  suffer  more, 
What  can  we  suffer  worse  ?   Is  this  then  worst, 
Thus  sitting,  thus  consulting,  thus  in  arms  ? 
What  !  when  we  fled  amain,  pursu'd  and  struck 
With  heaven's  afflicting  thunder,  and  besought 
The  deep  to  shelter  us  ?  this  hell  then  seem'd 
A  refuge  from  those  wounds  :  or  when  we  lay 
Chain'd  on  the  burning  lake  ?  that  sure  was  worse 
What  if  the  breath,  that  kindled  those  grim  fires, 
Awak'd,  should  blow  them  into  sevenfold  rage, 
And  plunge  us  in  the  flames  ?  or  from  above 
Should  intermitted  vengeance,  arm  again 
His  red  right  hand  to  plague  us  ?  what  if  all 
Her  stores  were  open'd,  and  this  firmament 
Of  hell  should  spout  her  cataracts  of  fire, 
Impendent  horrors,  threat'ning  hideous  fall 
One  day  upon  our  heads  ;  while  we  perhaps 
Designing  or  exhorting  glorious  war. 


44  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK   tl. 

Caught  in  a  fiery  tempest  shall  be  hurl'd 

Each  on  his  rock  transfix'd,  the  sport  and  prey 

Of  wracking  whirlwinds,  or  forever  sunk 

Under  yon  boiling  ocean  wrapt  in  chains  ; 

There  to  converse  with  everlasting  groans, 

Unrespited,  unpitied,  unrepriev'd, 

Ages  of  hopeless  end  ?  this  would  be  worse. 

War  therefore,  open  or  conceal'd,  alike 

My  voice  dissuades ;  for  what  can  force  or  guile 

With  him,  or  who  deceive  his  mind,  whose  eye 

Views  all  things  at  one  view  ?  he  from  heav'n's  height 

All  these  our  motions  vain,  sees  and  derides ; 

Not  more  almighty  to  resist  our  might 

Than  wise  to  frustrate  all  our  plots  and  wiles. 

Shall  we  then  live  thus  vile,  the  race  of  heav'n 

Thus  trampled,  thus  expell'd  to  suffer  here 

Chains  and  these  torments  ?  better  these  than  worse. 

By  my  advice  ;  since  fate  inevitable 

Subdues  us,  and  omnipotent  decree, 

The  victor's  will.     To  suffer,  as  to  do, 

Our  strength  is  equal,  nor  the  law  unjust 

That  so  ordains :  this  was  at  first  resolv'd, 

If  we  were  wise,  against  so  great  a  foe 

Contending,  and  so  doubtful  what  might  fall. 

I  laugh  when  those  who  at  the  spear  are  bohl 

And  venrrous,  if  that  fail  them,  shrink  and  fear 

What  yet  they  know  must  follow,  to  endure 

Exile,  or  ignominy,  or  bonds,  or  pain, 

The  sentence  of  their  conqu'ror  :  this  is  now 

Our  doom ;  which  if  we  can  sustain  and  bear, 

Our  supreme  foe  in  time  may  much  remit 

His  anger,  and  perhaps  thus  far  remov'd 

Not  mind  us  n,ot  offending,  satisfy 'd 

With  what  is  punish'd;  whence  these  raging  fires 

Will  slacken,  if  his  breath  stir  not  their  flames. 

Our  purer  essence  then  will  overcome 

Their  noxious  vapour,  or  innur'd  not  feel, 

Or  chang'd  at  length,  and  to  the  place  conform 'd 

In  temper  and  in  nature,  will  receive 


BOO      11. ]  F-AHADUSK   LOST.  45 

Familiar  the  fierce  heat,  and  void  of  pain, 

This  horror  will  grow  mild,  this  darkness  light ; 

Besides  what  hope  the  never-ending  flight 

Of  future  days  may  bring,  what  chance,  what  change 

Worth  waiting,  since  our  present  lot  appears 

For  happy  though  but  ill,  for  ill  not  worst, 

tf  we  procure  not  to  ourselves  more  wo. 

Thus  Belial  with  words  cloth'd  in  reason's  g;  rb- 
Counsel'd  ignoble  ease,  and  peaceful  sloth, 
Not  peace :  and  after  him,  thus  Mammon  spake 

Either  to  disenthrone  the  king  of  heav'n 
We  war.  if  war  we  best,  or  to  regain 
Our  own  right  lost :  him  to  unthrone  we  then 
May  hope,  when  everlasting  fate  shall  yield 
To  fickle  chance,  and  Chaos  judge  the  strife ; 
The  former  vain  to  hope  argues  as  vain 
The  latter  :  for  what  place  can  be  for  us 
Within  heav'ns  bound,  unless  heav'n 's  lord  supreme 
We  overpow'r  ?  Suppose  he  should  relent, 
And  publish  grace  to  all,  on  promise  made 
Of  new  subjection;  with  what  eyes  could  we 
Stand  in  his  presence  humble,  and  receive 
Strict  laws  impos'd,  to  celebrate  his  throne 
With  warbled  hymns,  and  to  his  godhead  sing 
Forc'd  hallelujahs ;  while  he  lordly  sits 
Our  envied  Sov'reign,  and  his  altar  breathes 
Ambrosial  odours,  and  ambrosial  flow'rs, 
Our  servile  offerings  ?  This  must  be  our  task 
fn  heav'n,  this  our  delight;  how  wearisome 
Eternity  so  spent  in  worship  paid 
To  whom  we  hate !  Let  us  not  then  pursue 
By  force  impossible,  by  leave  obtain'd, 
Unacceptable,  though  in  heav'n,  our  state 
Of  splendid  vassalage ;  but  rather  seek 
Our  own  good  from  ourselves,  and  from  our  orvn 
Live  to  ourselves,  though  in  this  vast  recess, 
Free  and  to  none  accountable,  preferring 
Hard  liberty -be fore  the  easy  yoke 
Of  servile  pomp.     Our  greatness  will  appear 


46  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK.   II 

Then  most  conspicuous,  when  great  things  of  small. 

Useful  of  hurtful,  prosp'rous  of  adverse 

We  can  create,  and  in  what  place  soe'er 

Thrive  under  evil,  and  work  ease  out  of  pain 

Through  labour  and  endurance.     This  deep  world 

Of  darkness  do  we  dread  ?     How  oft  amidst 

Thick  clouds  and  dark,  doth  heav'n's  all-ruling  Sire 

Choose  to  reside   his  glory  unobscur'd, 

And  with  the  majesty  of  darkness  round 

Covers  his  throne ;  from  whence  deep  thunders  roar 

Must'ring  their  rage,  and  heav'n  resembles  hell ? 

As  he  our  darkness,  cannot  we  his  light 

Imitate  when  we  please  ?     This  desert  soil 

Wants  not  her  hidden  lustre,  gems  and  gold  : 

Nor  want  we  skill  or  art,  from  whence  to  raise 

Magnificence  ;  and  what  can  heav'n  show  more  ? 

Our  torments  also  may  in  length  of  time 

Become  our  elements,  these  piercing  fires 

As  soft  as  now  severe,  our  temper  chang'd 

In:o  their  temper;  which  must  needs  remove 

The  sensible  of  pain.*     All  things  invite 

To  peaceful  counsels,  and  the  settled  state 

Of  order,  how  in  safety  best  we  may 

Compose  our  present  evils,  with  regard 

Of  what  we  are  and  were,  dismissing  quite 

All  thoughts  of  war.    Ye  have  what  I  advise. 

He  scarce  had  finish'd,  when  such  murmur  fill'd 
Th'  assembly,  as  when  hollow  rocks  retain 
The  sound  of  blust'ring  winds,  which  all  night  long 
Had  rous'd  the  seas,  now  with  hoarse  cadence  lull 
Sea-faring  men  o'er-watch'd,  whose  bark  by  chance, 
Or  pinnace,  anchors  in  a  craggy  bay 
After  the  tempest :  such  applause  was  heard 
As  Mammon  ended,  and  his  sentence  pleas'd, 
Advising  peace  :  for  such  another  field 
They  dreaded  worse  than  hell :  so  much  the  fear 
Of  thunder  and  the  sword  of  Michael 


*  "  The  sensible  of  pain  •''  the  si'n«il,iliiy  or  (acuity  of  I  r!m« 


BOOK  II.  |  PARADISE  LOST.  47 

Wrought  still  within  them ;  and  no  less  desire 
To  found  this  nether  empire,  which  might  rise 
By  policy  and  long  process  of  time, 
In  emulation  opposite  to  heav'n. 
Which  when  Beelzebub  perceiv'd,  than  whom. 
Satan  except,  none  higher  sat,  with  grave 
Aspect  he  rose,  and  in  his  rising  seem'd 
A  pillar  of  state,  deep  on  his  front  engraven 
Deliberation  sat,  and  public  care  ; 
And  princely  counsel  in  his  face  yet  shone. 
Majestic  though  in  ruin  :  sage  he  stood, 
With  Atlanteati  shoulders,  fit  to  bear 
The  weight  of  mightiest  monarchies  ;  his  look- 
Drew  audience  and  attention  still  as  night, 
Or  summers  noontide  air,  while  thus  he  spake  : 
Thrones  and  Imperial  Pow'rs,  offspring  of  heav'n, 
Ethereal  Virtues  ;  or  these  titles  now 
Must  we  renounce,  and  changing  style  be  call'd 
Princes  of  hell  ?  for  so  the  poplar  vote 
Inclines  us,  here  to  continue,  and  build  up  here 
A  growing  empire ;  doubtless,  while  we  dream. 
And  know  not  that  the  King  of  heav'n  hath  dooin'd 
This  place  our  dungeon,  not  our  safe  retreat 
Beyond  his  potent  arm,  to  live  exempt 
From  heav'n 's  high  jurisdiction,  in  new  league 
Banded  against  his  throne,  but  to  remain 
In  strictest  bondage,  though  thus  far  remov'd 
Under  the  inevitable  curb,  reserv'd 
His  captive  multitude :  for  He,  be  sure, 
In  height  or  depth,  still  first  and  last  will  reigu 
Sole  king,  and  of  his  kingdom  lose  no  part 
By  our  revolt,  but  over  hell  extend 
His  empire,  and  with  iron  sceptre  rule 
Us  here,  as  with  his  golden  those  in  heav'n. 
What  sit  we  then  projecting  peace  and  war  ? 
War  hath  determin'd  us,  and  foil'd  with  loss 
Irreparable ;  terms  of  peace  yet  none 
VouchsaPd  or  sought. ;  for  what  peace  will  be  giv'n 
To  u-s  enslav'd,  but  custody  severe, 


4x?  PARADISE   LOST.  [no.lK  11 

And  stripes,  and  arbitrary  punishment 

Inflicted?  and  what  peace  can  we  return, 

But  to  our  pow'r  hostility  and  hate, 

Untam'd  reluctance,  and  revenge  though  slow. 

Vet  ever  plotting  how  the  Conqu'ror  least 

May  reap  his  conquest,  and  may  least  rejoice 

In  doing  what  we  most  in  suff'ring  feel  ? 

Nor  will  occasion  want,  nor  shall  we  need 

With  dang'rous  expedition  to  invade 

Heav'n,  whose  high  walls  fear  no  assault  or  seige, 

Or  ambush  from  the  deep.     What  if  we  find 

Some  easier  enterprise  ?     There  is  a  place, 

(If  ancient  and  prophetic  fame  in  heav'n 

Err  not)  another  world,  the  happy  seat 

Of  some  new  race  call'd  Man,  about  this  time 

To  be  created  like  to  us,  though  less 

In  pow'r  and  excellence,  but  favour'd  more 

Of  him  who  rules  above ;  so  was  his  will 

Pronounc'd  among  the  gods,  and  by  an  oath, 

That  shook  heav'n's  whole  circumference,  confirm 'd 

Thither  let  us  bend  all  our  thoughts,  to  learn 

What  creatures  there  inhabit,  of  what  mould, 

Or  substance ;  how  indu'd,  and  what  their  pow'r, 

And  where  their  weakness,  how  attempted  best, 

By  force  or  subtlety.     Though  heav'n  be  shut, 

And  heav'n's  high  Arbitrator  sit  secure 

In  his  own  strength,  this  place  may  lie  expos'd  ; 

The  utmost  border  of  his  kingdom,  left, 

To  their  defence  who  hold  it  :  here  perhaps 

Some  advantageous  act  may  be  achiev'd 

By  sudden  onset,  either  with  hell  fire 

To  waste  his  whole  creation,  or  possess 

All  as  our  own,  and  drive,  as  we  were  driven, 

The  puny  inhabitants,  or  if  not  drive, 

Seduce  them  to  our  party,  that  their  God 

May  prove  their  foe,  and  with  repenting  hand 

Abolish  his  own  works.     This  would  surpass 

Common  revenge,  and  interrupt  his  joy 

In  our  confusion,  and  our  joy  upraise 


BOOK   11.  |  PARADISE  LOST.  49 

In  his  disturbance ;  when  his  darling  sons, 
Hurl'd  headlong  to  partake  with  us,  shall  curat 
Their  frail  original,  and  faded  bliss, 
Faded  so  soon.     Advise  if  this  be  worth 
Attempting,  or  to  sit  in  darkness  here, 
Hatching  vain  empires.     Thus  Beelzebub 
Pleaded  his  devilish  counsel,  first  devis'd 
By  Satan,  and  in  part  propos'd :  for  whence, 
But  from  the  author  of  all  ill,  could  spring 
So  deep  a  malice,  to  confound  the  race 
Of  mankind  in  one  root,  and  earth  with  hell 
To  mingle  and  involve,  done  all  to  spite 
The  great  Creator  ?     But  their  spite  still  serves 
His  glory  to  augment.     The  bold  design 
Pleas'd  highly  those  infernal  States,  and  joy 
Sparkled  in  all  their  eyes ;  with  full  assent 
They  <ote ;  whereat  his  speech  he  thus  renews 
Well  have  ye  judg'd,  well  ended  long  debate, 
Synod  of  gods,  and  like  *o  what  ye  are, 
Great  things  resolv'd,  whicn  from  the  .lowest  deep, 
Will  once  more  lift  us  up,  in  spite  of  fate. 
Nearer  our  ancient  seat;  perhaps  in  view 
Of  those  bright  confines,  whence  with  neighb'ring  amis 
And  opportune  excursion  we  may  chance 
Re-enter  heav'n ;  or  else  in  some  mild  zone 
Dwell  not  unvisited  of  heav'n's  fair  light 
Secure,  and  at  the  bright'ning  orient  beam 
Purge  off*  this  glaom ;  the  soft  delicious  air, 
To  heal  the  scar  of  these  corrosive  fires, 
Shall  breath  her  balm.    But  first  whom  shall  we  srnc 
In  search  of  this  new  world  ?  whom  shall  we  find 
Sufficient?  who  shall  tempt  with  wand'ring  feet 
The  dark  unbottom'd  infinite  abyss, 
And  through  the  palpable  obscure  find  out 
His  uncouth  way,  to  spread  his  airy  flight 
Upborne  with  indefatigable  wings 
Over  the  vast  abrupt,  ere  he  aniv-p 
The  happy  isle  ?  what  strength,  wnat  ait  can  then 
Suffice,  or  what  evasion  bear  him  safe 
5 


OU  lAhAfKSE  LOST.  [BOOK  H 

Through  the  strict  sentries  and  stations  thick 
Of  angels  watching  round  ?  Here  he  had  need 
All  circumspection,  and  we  now  no  less 
Choice  in  our  suffrage  ;  for  on  whom  we  send, 
The  weight  of  all,  and  our  last  hope  relies. 

This  said,  he  sat ;  and  expectation  held 
His  look  suspense,  awaiting  who  appear'd 
To  second,  or  oppose,  or  undertake 
The  perilous  attempt ;  but  all  sat  mute, 
Pond'ring  the  danger  with  deep  thoughts ;  and  each 
In  others'  count'nance,  read  his  own  dismay 
Astonish'd :  none  among  the  choice  and  prime 
Of  those  heav'n-warring  champions  could  be  found 
So  hardy  as  to  proffer  or  accept 
Alone  the  dreadful  voyage ;  till  at  last, 
Satan,  whom  now  transcendent  glory  rais'd 
Above  his  fellows,  with  monarchial  pride, 
Conscious  of  highest  worth,  unmov'd,  thus  spake 

O  progeny  of  heav'n,  empyreal  thrones, 
With  reason  hath  deep  silence  and  demur 
Seiz'd  us,  though  undismay'd :  long  is  the  way 
And  hard,  that  out  of  hell  leads  up  to  light ; 
Our  prison  strong ;  this  huge  convex  of  fire, 
Outrageous  to  devour,  immures  us  round 
Ninefold,  the  gates  of  burning  adamant 
Barr'd  over  to  prohibit  all  egress. 
These  pass'd,  if  any  pass,  the  void  profound 
Of  unessential  Night  receives  him  next 
Wide  gaping,  and  with  utter  loss  of  being 
Threatens  him  ;  plung'd  in  that  abortive  gulf, 
If  thence  he  'scape,  into  whatever  world, 
Or  unknown  region,  what  remains  him  less 
Than  unknown  dangers,  and  as  hard  escape  ? 
But  I  should  ill  become  this  throne,  O  peers, 
And  this  imperial  sov'reignty  adorn'd 
With  splendour,  arm'd  with  pow'r  if  ought  propos'd 
And  judg'd  of  public  moment,  it:  the  shape 
Of  difficulty  or  danger,  could  deter 
Me  from  attempting.     Wherefore  do  I  assume 


BOOK  II. J  FAKADiSJE  LOST.  61 

These  royalties,  and  not  refuse  to  reign, 
Refusing  to  accept  as  great  a  share 
Of  hazard  as  of  honour,  due  alike 
To  him  who  reigns,  and  so  much  to  him  due 
Of  hazard  more,  as  he  above  the  rest 
High  honour'd  sits?  Go  therefore,  mighty  pow'rs, 
Terror  of  heav'n,  though  fall'n  ;  intend  at  home, 
While  here  shall  be  our  home,  what  best  may  ease 
The  present  misery,  and  render  hell 
More  tolerable ;  if  there  be  cure  or  charm 
To  respite  or  deceive,  or  slack  the  pain 
Of  this  ill  mansion  :  intermit  no  watch 
Against  a  wakeful  foe,  while  I  abroad 
Through  all  the  coasts  of  dark  destruction,  seek 
Deliverance  for  us  all :  this  enterprise 
None  shall  partake  with  me.     Thus  saying  rose 
The  monarch,  and  prevented  all  reply, 
Prudent  lest  from  his  resolution  rais'd, 
Others  among  the  chief  might  offer  now 
(Certain  to  be  refus  d)  what  erst  they  fear'd , 
And  so  refus'd  might  in  opinion  stand 
His  rivals,  winning  cheap  the  high  repute 
Which  he  through  hazard  huge  must  earn.  But  th'.-y 
Dreaded  not  more  th'  adventure  than  his  voice 
Forbidding ;  and  at  once  with  him  they  rose  ; 
Their  rising  all  at  once  was  as  the  sound 
Of  thunder  heard  remote.     Towards  him  they  benJ 
With  awful  reverence  prone ;  and  as  a  God 
Extol  him  equal  to  the  Highest  in  heav'n : 
Nor  fail'd  they  to  express  how  much  they  prnis'd, 
That  for  the  general  safety  he  defpisVi 
His  own :  for  neither  do  the  spirits  damn'd 
Lose  all  their  virtue,  lest  bad  men  should  boast 
Their  specious  deeds  on  earth,  which  glory  excites 
Or  close  ambition  varnish'd  o'et  with  zeal. 
Thus  they  their  doubtful  consultations  dark 
Ended,  rejoicing  in  their  matchless  ^hief : 
As  when  from  mountain  tops  the  dusky  clouds 
Ascending,  while  the  north-wind  sleeps,  o'erspread 


52  PARADISE  LOST.  |  BOOK  II. 

Heav'ri's  cheerful  face,  the  louring  element 

Scowls  o'er  the  darken'd  landscape,  snow  or  shower. 

If  chance  the  radiant  sun  with  farewell  sweet 

Extend  his  evening  beam,  the  fields  revive, 

The  birds  their  notes  renew,  and  bleating  herds 

Attest  their  joy,  that  hill  and  valley  rings. 

0  shame  to  men  !     Devil  with  Devil  damn'd 

Firm  concord  holds,  men  only  disagree 

Of  creatures  rational,  though  under  hope 

Of  heav'nly  grace  :  and  God  proclaiming  peace, 

Yet  live  in  hatred,  enmity,  and  strife 

Among  themselves,  and  levy  cruel  wars, 

Wasting  the  earth,  each  other  to  destroy : 

As  if  (which  might  induce  us  to  accord) 

Man  had  not  hellish  foes  enow  besides, 

That  day  and  night  for  his  destruction  wait. 

The  Stygian  council  thus  dissolved  :  and  forth 
In  order  came  the  grand  infernal  peers  : 
Midst  came  their  mighty  paramount,  and  seem'd 
Alone  th'  antagonist  of  heav'n,  nor  less 
Than  hell's  dread  emperor,  with  pomp  supreme, 
And  godlike  imitated  state  ;  him  round 
A  globe  of  fiery  Seraphim  enclos'd 
With  bright  emblazonry,  and  horrent  arms. 
Then  of  their  session  ended,  they  bid  cry 
With  trumpet's  regal  sound,  the  great  result  : 
Towards  the  four  winds  four  speedy  Cherubim 
Put  to  their  mouths  the  sounding  alchymy 
By  heralds'  voice  explain'd ;  the  hollow  abyss 
Heard  far  and  wide,  and  all  the  host  of  hell 
With  deaf'ning  shout  return'd  them  loud  acclaim. 
Thence  more  at  ease  their  minds,  and  somewhat  rais'd 
By  false  presumptuous  hope,  the  ranged  Powers 
Disband,  and  wand'ring,  each  his  several  way 
Pursues,  as  inclination  or  sad  choice 
Leads  him  perpiex'd,  where  he  may  likeliest  find 
Truce  to  his  restless  thought?,  and  entertain 
The  irksome  hours,  till  his  great  chief  retain. 
Part  on  the  nlnin,  or  in  the  air  sublime, 


BOOK  II.]  PARADISE  LOST.  52 

Upon  the  wing,  or  in  swift  race  contend, 
As  at  th'  Olympian  games  or  Pythian  fields ; 
Part  curb  their  fiery  steeds,  or  shun  the  goal 
With  rapid  wheels,  or  fromed  brigades  form. 
As  when  to  warn  proud  cities,  war  appears 
Wag'd  in  the  troubled  sky,  and  armies  rush 
To  battle  in  the  clouds,  before  each  van 
Prick  forth  the  airy  knights,  and  couch  their  spoars- 
Till  thickest  legions  close  :  with  feats  of  arms 
From  either  end  of  heav'n  the  welkin  burns. 
Others  with  vast  Typhoean  rage  more  fell 
Rend  up  both  rocks  and  hills,  and  ride  the  air 
In  whirlwind  ;  hell  scarce  holds  the  wild  uproar. 
As  when  Alcides,  from  QEchalia  crown'd 
With  conquest,  felt  th'  envenom'd  robe,  and  tore 
Through  pain,  up  by  the  roots  Thessalian  pines, 
And  Lichas  from  the  top  of  CEta  threw 
Into  th'  Euboic  sea.     Others  more  mild, 
Retreated  in  a  silent  valley,  sing 
With  notes  angelical  to  many  a  harp 
Their  own  heroic  deeds  and  hapless  fall 
By  doom  of  battle  ;  and  complain  that  fate 
Free  virtue  should  inthral  to  force  or  chance. 
Their  song  was  partial,  but  the  harmony 
(What  could  it  less  when  Spirits  immortal  sing  ?) 
Suspended  hell,  and  took  with  ravishment 
The  thronging  audience.     In  discourse  more  sweel 
(For  eloquence  the  soul,  song  charms  the  sense.1) 
Others  apart  sat  on  a  hill  retir'd, 
In  thoughts  more  elevate,  and  reason'd  high 
Of  providence,  foreknowledge,  will,  and  fate, 
Fix'd  fate,  free  will,  foreknowledge  absolute, 
And  found  no  end,  in  wand'ring  mazes  lost. 
Of  good  and  evil  much  they  argued,  then 
Of  happiness  and  final  misery, 
Passion  and  apathy,  and  glory,  and  shame, 
Vain  wisdom  all,  and  false  philosophy  : 
V  et  with  a  pleasing  sorcery  could  charm 
Pain  for  a  while,  or  anguish,  and  excite 
5* 


•54  PARADISE    LOST.  [BOOk   II. 

Fallacious  hope,  or  arm  th'  obdured  breast 

With  stubborn  patience  as  with  triple  steel. 

Another  part  in  squadrons  and  gross  bands, 

On  bold  adventure  to  discover  wide 

That  dismal  world,  if  any  clime  perhaps 

Might  yield  them  easier  habitation,  bend 

Four  ways  their  flying,  march,  along  the  banks 

Of  four  infernal  rivers,  that  disgorge 

Into  the  burning  lake  their  baleful  streams  ; 

Abhorred  Styx,  the  flood  of  deadly  hate ; 

Sad  Acheron  of  sorrow,  black  and  deep ; 

Cocytus  nam'd,  of  lamentation  loud 

Heard  on  the  rueful  stream :  fierce  Phlegethon, 

Whose  waves  of  torrent  fire  inflame  with  rage. 

Far  off  from  these  a  slow  and  silent  stream, 

Lethe  the  river  of  oblivion  rolls 

Her  wat'ry  labrinth,  whereof  who  drinks, 

Forthwith  his  former  state  and  being  forgets, 

Forgets  both  joy  and  grief,  pleasure  and  pain. 

Beyond  this  flood  a  frozen  continent 

Lies  dark  and  wild,  beat  with  perpetual  storms 

Of  whirlwind  and  dire  hail,  which  on  firm  land 

Thaws  not,  but  gathers  heap,  and  ruin  seems 

Of  ancient  pile  ;  all  else  deep  snow  and  ice  : 

A  gulf  profound  as  that  Serbonion  bog 

Betwixt  Damiata  and  mount  Casius  old, 

Where  armies  whole  have  sunk  :  the  parching  air 

Burns  frore,  and  cold  performs  th'  effect  of  fire. 

Thither  by  harpy  footed  furies  haul'd 

At  certain  revolutions  all  the  damn'd 

Are  brought;  and  feel  by  turns  the  bitter  change 

Of  fierce  extremes,  extremes  by  change  more  fier  .*e, 

From  beds  of  raging  fire,  to  starve  in  ice 

Their  soft  ethereal  warmth,  and  there  to  pine 

Immoveable,  infix'd,  and  frozen  round 

Periods  of  time,  thence  hurried  back  to  fire. 

They  ferry  over  this  Lethean  sound 

Both  to  and  fro,  their  sorrow  *.o  augment, 

And  wish  and  struggle,  as  they  pass,  to  reach 


BOOK  II. J  PARADISE  LOST.  65 

The  tempting  stream,  with  one  small  drop  to  lose 

In  sweet  forgetfulness  all  pain  and  wo, 

All  in  one  moment,  and  so  near  the  brink; 

But  fate  withstands,  and  to  oppose  th'  attempt 

Medusa  with  Gorgonian  terror  guards 

The  ford,  and  of  itself  the  water  flies 

All  taste  of  living  wight,  as^mce  it  fled 

The  lip  of  Tantalus.     Thus  roving  on 

In  confus'u  march  forlorn,  th'  advent'rous  bands 

With  shudd'ring  horror  pale,  and  eyes  aghast. 

View'd  first  their  lamentable  lot,  and  found 

No  rest :  through  many  a  dark  and  dreary  vale 

They  pass'd,  and  many  a  region  dolorous, 

O'er  many  a  frozen,  many  a  fiery  Alp. 

Rocks,  caves,  lakes,  fens,  bogs,  dens,   and  shades  r. ' 

death, 

A  universe  of  death,  which  God  by  curse 
Created  evil,  for  evil  only  good, 
Where  all  life  dies,  death  lives,  and  nature  breeds 
Perverse  all  monstrous  all  prodigious  things, 
Abominable,  unutterable,  and  worse 
Than  fables  yet  have  feign'd,  or  fear  conceiv'd, 
Gorgons,  and  Hydras,  and  Chimerseas  dire. 

Meanwhile  the  Adversary  of  God  and  Man, 
Satan,  with  thoughts  inflam'd  of  highest  design, 
Puts  on  swift  wings,  and  tow'rds  the  gates  of  hell 
Explores  his  solitary  flight :  sometimes 
He  scours  the  right  hand  coast,  sometimes  the  left, 
Now  shaves  with  level  wing  the  deep,  then  soars 
Up  to  the  fiery  concave,  tow'ring  high. 
As  when  far  off  at  sea  a  fleet  descry'd 
Hangs  in  the  clouds,  by  equinoctial  winds 
Close  sailing  from  Bengala,  or  the  isles 
Of  Ternate  and  Tidore,  whence  merchants  bring 
Their  spicy  drugs :   they  on  the  trading  flood 
Through  the  wide  Ethiopian  to  the  Cape 
Ply,  stemming  nightly  tow'rd  the  pole.     So  seemed 
Far  off  the  flying  Fiend  :  at  last  appear 
fiell  bounds  high  reaching  to  the  horrid  roof, 


66  PARADISE    LOST.  [BOOK  H 

And  thrice  threefold  the  gates;  three  folds  we  re  brass 
Three  iron,  three  of  adamantine  rock 
Impenetrable,  empal'd  with  circling  1110, 
Yet  unconsum'd.     Before  the  gates  there  sat 
On  either  side  a  formidable  shape; 
The  one  seem'd  woman  to  the  waist,  and  fair, 
But  ended  foul  in  many  a  scaly  fold 
Voluminous  and  vast,  a  serpent  arm'd 
With  mortal  sting :  about  her  middle  round 
A  cry  of  hell  hounds  never  ceasing  bark'd 
With  wide  Cerberean  mouths  full  loud,  and  run^, 
A  hideous  peal ;  yet  when  they  list,  would  creep. 
If  ought  disturb'd  their  noise  into  her  womb, 
And  kennel  there,  yet  there  still  bark'd  and  howl'd 
Within,  unseen.     Far  less  abhorr'd  than  these 
Vex'd  Scylla  bathing  in  the  sea  that  parts 
Calabria  from  the  hoarse  Trinacrian  shore  : 
Nor  uglier  follow  the  night-hag,  when  call'd 
In  secret;  riding  through  the  air  she  comes, 
Lur'd  with  the  smell  of  infant  blood,  to  dance 
With  Lapland  witches,  while  the  lab'ring  moon 
Eclipses  at  their  charms.     The  other  shape, 
If  shape  it  might  be  call'd,  that  shape  had  none 
Distinguishable,  in  member,  joint,  or  limb  ; 
Or  substance  might  be  call'd  that  shadow  seem'd 
For  each  seem'd  either ;  black  it  stood  as  Night. 
Fierce  as  ten  Furies,  terrible  as  hell, 
And  shook  a  dreadful  dart ;  what  seem'd  his  head 
The  likeness  of  a  kingly  crown  had  on. 
Satan  was  now  at  hand,  and  from  his  seat 
The  monster  moving  onward,  came  as  fast 
With  horrid  strides,  hell  trembled  as  he  strode. 
Th'  undaunted  Fiend  what  this  might  be  admir'd, 
Admir'd,  not  fear'd :  God  and  his  Son  except, 
Created  thing  naught  valu'd  he  nor  shunn'd  ; 
And  with  disdainful  look  thus  first  began : 
Whence  and  what  art  thou,  execrable  shape  ' 


BOOK  TI.J  PARADISE  LOST. 

That  dar'st,  though  grim  and  terrible,  advance 
Thy  miscreated  front  athwart  my  way 
To  yonder  gates  ?     Through  them  I  mean  to  pass, 
That  be  assur'd,  without  leave  ask'd  of  thee  ; 
Retire,  or  taste  thy  folly,  and  learn  by  proof, 
Hell-born,  not  to  contend  with  spirits  of  heav'n. 

To  whom  the  goblin  full  of  wrath  reply'd : 
Art  thou  that  traitor  Angel,  art  thou  he 
Who  first  broke  peace  in  heav'n,  and  faith  till  then 
Unbroken,  and  in  proud  rebellious  arms 
Drew  after  him  the  third  part  of  heav'n's  sons 
Conjur'd  against  the  Highest,  for  which  both  thou 
And  they,  outcast  from  God,  are  here  condemn'd 
To  waste  eternal  days  in  wo  and  pain  ? 
And  reckon'st  thou  thyself  with  spirits  of  heav'n, 
Hell-doom'd,  and  breath'st  defiance  here,  and  scorn 
Where  I  reign  king,  and  to  enrage  thee  more, 
Thy  king  and  lord  ?     Back  to  thy  punishment, 
False  fugitive,  and  to  thy  speed  add  wings, 
Lest  with  a  whip  of  scorpions  I  pursue 
Thy  ling'ring,  or  with  one  stroke  of  this  dart 
Strange  horror  seize  thee,  and  pangs  unfelt  before. 

So  spake  the  grisly  terror,  and  in  shape, 
So  speaking  and  so  threat'ning,  grew  tenfold 
More  dreadful  and  deform  :  on  th'  other  side 
Incens'd  with  indignation,  Satan  stood 
Unterrify'd,  and  like  a  comet  burn'd, 
That  fires  the  length  of  Ophiuchus  huge 
In  th'  arctic  sky,  and  from  his  horrid  hair 
Shakes  pestilence  and  war.     Each  at  the  head 
LevelPd  his  deadly  aim ;  their  fatal  hands 
No  second  stroke  intend,  and  such  a  frown 
Each  cast  at  th'  other,  as  when  two  black  clouds 
With  heav'n's  artillery  fraught,  come  rattling  on 
Over  the  Caspian,  then  stand  front  to  front 
Hovering  a  space,  till  winds,  the  signal  blow 
To  join  their  dark  encounter  in  mid  air : 
So  frown'd  the  mighty  combatants,  that  hell 
Grew  darker  at  their  frown,  so  match'd  they  stood  : 


68  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOF    * 

For  never  but  once  more  was  either  like 
To  meet  so  great  a  foe  :  and  now  great  deeds 
Had  been  achiev'd,  whereof  all  hell  had  rung, 
Had  not  the  snaky  sorceress  that  sat 
Fast  by  hell  gate,  and  kept  the  fatal  key, 
Ris'n,  and  with  hideous  outcry  rush'd  between. 

O  Father,  what  intends  thy  hand,  she  cry'd, 
Against  thy  only  son  ?     What  fury,  O  Son. 
Possesses  thee  to  bend  that  mortal  dart 
Against  thy  Father's  head  ?  and  know'st  for  whom  * 
For  him  who  sits  above  and  laughs  the  while 
At  thee  ordain'd  his  drudge,  to  execute 
Whate'er  his  wrath,  which  he  calls  justice,  bids  • 
His  wrath,  which  one  day  will  destroy  ye  both. 

She  spake,  and  at  her  words  the  hellish  pest 
Forbore  ;  then  these,  to  her,  Satan  return'd  : 

So  strange  thy  outcry,  and  thy  words,  so  strange 
Thou  interposest,  that  my  sudden  hand 
Prevented,  spares  to  tell  thee  yet  by  deeds 
What  it  intends ;  till  first  I  know  of  thee, 
What  thing  thou  art,  thus  double  form'd  and  \vh\/ 
In  this  infernal  vale  first  met  thou  call'st 
Me  Father,  and  that  phantasm  call'st  my  son ; 
I  know  thee  not,  nor  ever  saw  till  now 
Sight  more  detestable  than  him  and  thee. 

T'  whom  thus  the  port'ress  of  hell  gate  reply'd  . 
Hast  thou  forgot  me  then,  and  do  I  seem 
Now  in  thine  eye  so  foul  ?  once  deem'd  so  fair 
In  heav'n,  when  at  th'  assembly,  and  in  sight 
Of  all  the  Seraphim  with  thee  combin'd 
In  bold  conspiracy  'gainst  heav'n's  King, 
All  on  a  sudden,  miserable  pain 
Surpriz'd  thee,  dim  thine  eyes,  and  dizzy  swum 
la  darkness,  while  thy  head  flames  thick  and  fast 
Threw  forth,  till  on  the  left  side  opening  wide, 
Likest  to  thee  in  shape  and  count'nance  bright, 
Then  shining  heav'nly  fair,  a  goddess  arm'd 
Out  of  thy  head  I  sprung;  amazement  seiz'd 
All  th'  host  of  heav'n  ;  back  they  recoil'd  afraid 


BOOK  II.]  PARADISE  LOST.  6 

At  first,  and  call'd  me  Sin,  and  for  a  sign 

Portentous  held  me  ;  but  familiar  grown. 

I  pleas'd,  and  with  attractive  graces  won 

The  most  averse ;  thee  chiefly,  who  full  oft 

Thyself  in  me  thy  perfect  image  viewing, 

Becam'st  enamour'd,  and  such  joy  thou  took'si 

With  me  in  secret,  that  my  womb  ^onceiv'd 

A.  growing  burden.     Meanwhile  war  arose 

And  fields  were  fought  in  heav'n  ;  wherein  remain 'd 

(For  what  could  else?)  to  our  almighty  foe 

Clear  victory,  to  our  part  loss  and  rout 

Through  all  the  empyrean :  down  they  fell 

Into  this  deep,  and  in  the  gen'ral  fall 

I  also ;  at  which  time  this  pow'rful  key 

Driv'n  headlong  from  the  pitch  of  Heav'n,  down 

Into  my  hand  was  giv'n,  with  charge  to  keep 

These  gates  for  ever  shut,  which  none  can  pass 

Without  my  opening.     Pensive  here  I  sat 

Alone,  but  long  I  sat  not,  till  my  womb 

Pregnant  by  thee,  and  now  excessive  grown, 

Prodigious  motion  felt  and  rueful  throes. 

At  last  this  odious  offspring  whom  thou  seest 

Thine  own  begotton,  breaking  violent  way, 

Tore  through  my  entrails,  that  with  fear  and  pan 

Distorted,  all  my  nether  shape  thus  grew 

Transform'd  :  but  he  my  inbred  enemy 

Forth  issued,  brandishing  his  fatal  dart 

Made  to  destroy  :  I  fled,  and  cry'd  out  Death ! 

Hell  trembled  at  the  hideous  name,  and  sigh'd 

From  all  her  caves,  and  back  resounded  Death  ! 

I  fled,  but  he  pursued,  (though  more,  it  seems, 

Inflam'd  with  lust  than  rage)  and  swifter  far, 

Me  overtook  his  mother  all  dismay'd, 

And  in  embraces  forcible  and  foul 

Engend'ring  with  me,  of  that  rape  begot 

These  yelling  monsters,  that  with  ceaseless  cry 

Surround  me  as  thou  saw'st,  hourly  conceiv'd 

And  hourly  born,  with  sorrow  infinite 

To  me  :  for  when  they  list,  into  the  womb 


60  PAKAD1SE   LOST.  [BOOK     II. 

That  bred  them,  they  return,  and  howl  and  gnaw 
My  bowels,  their  repast ;  then  bursting  forth 
Afresh  with  conscious  terrors  vex  me  round, 
That  rest  or  intermission  none  I  find. 
Before  mine  eyes  in  opposition  sits 
Grim  Death  my  son  and  foe,  who  sets  them  on, 
And  me  his  parent  would  full  soon  devour 
For  want  of  other  prey,  but  that  he  knows 
His  end  with  mine  involv'd  ;  and  knows  that  1 
Should  prove  a  bitter  morsel,  and  his  bane, 
Whenever  that  shall  be  ;  so  Fate  pronounc'd 
But  thou,  O  Father,  I  forewarn  thee,  shun 
His  deadly  arrow ;  neither  vainly  hope 
To  be  invulnerable  in  those  bright  arms. 
Though  temper'd  heav'nly,  for  that  mortal  dint, 
Save  he  who  reigns  above,  none  can  resist. 

She  finish'd,  and  the  subtle  Fiend  his  lore 
Soon  learn 'd,  now  milder,  and  thus  answer'd  smooth: 
Dear  daughter,  since  thou  claim'st  me  for  thy  sire, 
And  my  fair  son  here  show'st  me,  the  dear  pledge 
Of  dalliance  had  with  thee  in  heav'n,  and  joys 
Then  sweet,  now  sad  to  mention,  through  dire  change 
BefalPn  us  unforseen,  unthought  of;  know 
I  come  no  enemy,  but  to  set  free 
From  out  this  dark  and  dismal  house  of  pain 
Both  him  and  thee,  and  all  the  heav'nly  host 
Of  spirits,  that  in  our  just  pretences  arm'd, 
Fell  with  us  from  on  high  :  from  them  I  go 
This  uncouth  errand  sole,  and  one  for  all 
Myself  expose,  with  lonely  steps  to  tread 
Th'  unfounded  deep,  and  through  the  void  immence 
f  o  search  with  wand'ring  quest  a  place  foretold 

hould  be,  and  by  concurring  signs,  ere  now 
Created  vast  and  round,  a  place  of  bliss 
In  the  purlieus  of  heav'n,  and  therein  plac'd 
A  race  of  upstart  creatures,  to  supply 
Perhaps  our  vacant  room,  though  more  remov'd 
Lest  heav'n  surcharg'd  with  potent  multitude 
Might  hap  to  move  new  broils  ;  be  this  or  aught 


BOOK  Il.j  PAKADISE  LOST.  6j 

Than  this  more  secret  now  design'd,  I  haste 
To  know,  arH  this  once  known,  shall  soon  return, 
And  bring  ye  to  the  place  where  Thou  and  Death 
Shall  dwell  at  ease,  and  up  and  down  unseen 
Wing  silently  the  buxom  air,*1  embalm'd 
With  odours  ;  there  ye  shall  be  fed  and  fill'd 
Immeasurably,  all  things  shall  be  your  prey. 

He  ceas'd,  for  both  seem'd  highly  pleas'd,  and  Denih 
Grinn'd  horrible  a  ghastly  smile,  to  hear 
His  famine  should  be  fill'd,  and  bless'd  his  maw 
Destin'd  to  that  good  hour:  no  less  rejoic'd 
His  mother  bad,  and  thus  bespake  her  sire. 

The  key  of  this  infernal  pit  by  due 
And  by  command  of  Heav'n's  all-pow'rful  King 
I  keep,  by  him  forbidden  to  unlock 
These  admantine  gates  ;  against  all  force 
Death  ready  stands  to  interpose  his  dart, 
Fearless  to  be  o'ermatch'd  by  living  might. 
But  what  owe  I  to  his  commands  above 
Who  hates  me,  and  hath  thither  thrust  me  down 
Into  this  gloom  of  Tartarus  profound, 
To  sit  in  hateful  office  here  confin'd, 
Inhabitant  of  heav'n,  and  heav'nly  born, 
Here  in  perpetual  agony  and  pain, 
With  terrors  and  with  clamours  compass'd  round 
Of  mine  own  brood,  that  on  my  bowels  feed ; 
Thou  art  my  father,  thou  my  author,  thou 
My  being  gav'st  me  ;  whom  should  I  obey 
But  thee,  whom  follow  ?  thou  wilt  bring  me  soon 
To  that  new  world  of  light  and  bliss,  among 
The  gods  who  live  at  ease,  where  I  shall  reign 
At  thy  right  hand  voluptuous,  as  beseems 
Thy  daughter  and  thy  darling  without  end 

Thus  saying,  from  her  side  the  fatal  key, 
Sad  instrument  of  all  our  wo,  she  took ; 
And  tow'rds  the  gate  rolling  her  bestial  train, 
Forthwith  the  huge  portcullis  high  up  drew, 

*  Buxom  air :"  yielding. 
6 


62  PARADISE    LOST.  [BOOK     II 

Which  but  herself,  not  all  the  Stygian  Powr's 

Could  once  have  mov'd ;  then  in  the  key-hole  turns 

Th'  intricate  wards,  and  every  bolt  and  bar 

Of  massy  iron  or  solid  rock  with  ease 

Unfastens  :  on  a  sudden,  open  fly 

With  impetuous  recoil  and  jarring  sound 

Th'  infernal  doors,  and  on  their  hinges  grate 

Harsh  thunder,  that  the  lowest  bottom  shook 

Of  Erebus.     She  open'd,  but  to  shut 

Excell'd  her  pow'r;  the  gates  wide  open  stood, 

That  with  extended  wings  a  banner'd  host 

Under  spread  ensigns  marching  might  pass  through 

With  horse  and  chariots  rank'd  in  loose  array ; 

So  wide  they  stood  and  like  a  furnace  mouth 

Cast  forth  redounding  smoke  and  ruddy  flame. 

Before  their  eyes  in  sudden  view  appear 

The  secrets  of  the  hoary  deep,  a  dark 

Illimitable  ocean,  without  bound, 

Without  dimension,  where  length,  breadth,  and  heigh 

And  time  and  place  are  lost ;  where  eldest  Night 

And  Chaos,  ancestors  of  Nature,  hold 

Eternal  anarchy,  amidst  the  noise 

Of  endless  wars,  and  by  confusion  stand. 

For  hot,  cold,  moist  or  dry,  four  champions  fierce. 

Strive  here  for  mast'ry,  and  to  battle  bring 

Their  embryon  atoms  ;  they  round  the  flag 

Of  each  his  faction,  in  their  several  clans, 

Light  arm'd,  or  heavy,  sharp,  smooth,  swift  or  slow 

Swarm  populous,  unnumber'd  as  the  sands 

Of  Barca  or  Gyrene's  torrid  soil, 

Levied  to  side  with  warring  winds,  and  poise 

Their  lighter  wings.     To  whom  these  most  adhere 

He  rules  a  moment ;  Chaos  umpire  sits, 

And  by  decision  more  embroils  the  fray 

By  which  he  reigns  :  next  him  high  arbiter 

Chance  governs  all.     Into  this  wild  abyss 

The  womb  of  Nature,  and  perhaps  her  grave, 

^f  neither  sea,  nor  shore,  nor  air,  nor  fire, 

b   t  all  these  in  their  pregnant  causes  mix'd 


BOOK  II.]  PARADISE  LOST.  63 

Confus'cUy,  and  which  thus  must  ever  fight, 

Unless  th'  almighty  Maker  them  ordain 

His  dark  materials  to  create  more  worlds ; 

Into  this  wild  abyss  the  wary  Fiend 

Stood  on  the  brink  of  hell  and  look'd  awhile, 

Pond'ring  his  voyage ;  for  no  narrow  frith 

He  had  to  cross.     Nor  was  his  ear  less  peal'd 

With  noises  loud  and  ruinous  (to  compare 

Great  things  with  small)  than  when  Bellona  storms, 

With  all  her  battering  engines  bent  to  raze 

Some  capital  city ;  or  less  than  if  this  frame 

Of  heav'n  were  falling,  and  these  elements 

In  mutiny  had  from  her  axle  torn 

The  steadfast  earth.     At  last  his  sail-broad  vans 

He  spreads  for  flight,  and  in  the  surging  smoke 

Uplifted  spurns  the  ground ;  thence  many  a  league, 

As  in  a  cloudy  chair,  ascending  rides 

Audacious ;  but  that  seat  soon  failing,  meets 

A  vast  vacuity  :  all  unawares 

Fluttering  his  pennons  vain,  plumb  down  he  drops 

Ten  thousand  fathom  deep,  and  to  this  hour 

Down  had  been  falling,  had  not  by  ill  chance 

The  strong  rebuff  of  some  tumultuous  cloud, 

Instinct  with  fire  and  nitre,  hurried  him 

As  many  miles  aloft;  that  fury  stay'd, 

Quench'd  in  a  boggy  Syrtis,  neither  sea, 

Nor  good  dry  land ;  nigh  founder'd  on  he  fares, 

Treading  the  crude  consistence,  half  on  foot, 

Half  flying  ;  behoves  him  now  both  oar  and  sail. 

As  when  a  griphon  through  the  wilderness 

With  winged  course,  o'er  hill  or  moory  dale,  * 

Pursues  the  Arimaspian,  who  by  stealth 

Had  from  his  wakeful  custody  purloin 'd 

The  guarded  gold  :  so  eagerly  the  Fiend 

O'er  bog,  or  steep,  thro'  strait,  rough,  dense,  or  rare 

With  head,  hands,  wings,  or  feet,  pursues  his  way, 

And  swims,  or  sinks,  or  wades,  or  creeps,  or  flies : 

At  length  a  universal  hubbub  wild 

Of  stunning  sounds  and  voices  all  confus'd, 


64  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  U 

Borne  through  the  hollow  dark,  assaults  his  ear 

With  loudest  vehemence :  thither  he  plies, 

Undaunted  to  meet  there  whatever  Pow'r 

Or  Spirit  of  the  nethermost  abyss 

Might  in  that  noise  reside,  of  whom  to  ask 

Which  way  the  nearest  coast  of  darkness  lies 

Bord'ring  on  ligh* ;  when  straight  behold  the  throne 

Of  Chaos,  and  h^s  dark  pavilion  spread 

Wide  on  the  wasteful  deep;  with  him  enthron'd 

Sat  sable- vested  Night,  eldest  of  things, 

The  consort  of  his  reign  ;  and  by  them  stood 

Orcus  and  Ades,  and  the  dreaded  name 

Of  Demogorgon  ;  Rumour  next  and  Chance, 

And  Tumult  and  Confusion  all  embroil'd, 

And  Discord  with  a  thousand  various  mouths. 

T'  whom  Satan  turning  boldly,  thus :  ye  Pow'rs 
And  Spirits  of  this  nethermost  abyss, 
Chaos  and  ancient  Night,  I  come  no  spy, 
With  purpose  to  explore  or  to  disturb 
The  secrets  of  your  realm,  but  by  constraint 
Wand'ring  this  darksome  desert,  as  my  way 
Lies  through  your  spacious  empire  up  to  light, 
Alone,  and  without  guide,  half  lost  I  seek 
What  readiest  path  leads  where  your  gloomy  bounds 
Confine  with  heav'n  ;  or  if  some  other  place, 
From  your  dominion  won,  th'  ethereal  king 
Possesses  lately,  thither  to  arrive 
I  travel  this  profound :  direct  my  course ; 
Directed  no  mean  recompence  it  brings 
To  your  behoof,  if  I  that  region  lost, 
All  usurpation  thence  expell'd,  reduce 
To  her  original  darkness  and  your  sway 
(Which  is  my  present  journey)  and  once  more 
Erect  the  standard  there  of  ancient  Night; 
Yours  be  the  advantage  all,  mine  the  revenge. 

Thus  Satan ;  and  him  thus  the  Anarch  old, 
With  falt'ring  speech  and  visage  incompos'd. 
Answer'd  ;  I  know  thee,  stranger,  who  thou  art, 
That  mighty  leading  Angel,  who  of  late 


BOOK  II.  j  PARADISE  LOST.  *i6 

Made  head  against  heav'n's  King,  though  overthrown 
I  saw  and  heard,  for  such  a  num'rous  host 
Fled  not  in  silence  through  the  frighted  deep 
With  ruin  upon  ruin,  rout  on  rout, 
Confusion  worse  confounded  :  and  heav'n's  gates 
Pour'd  out  by  millions  her  victorious  hands 
Pursuing.     I  upon  my  frontiers  here 
Keep  residence,  if  all  I  can  will  serve 
That  little  which  is  left  so  to  defend, 
Encroach'd  on  still  through  your  intestine  broils 
Weak'ning  the  sceptre  of  old  Night :  first  hell 
Your  dungeon  stretching  far  and  wide  beneath ; 
Now  lately  heav'n  and  earth  another  world, 
Hung  o'er  my  realm,  link'd  in  a  golden  chain 
To  that  side  heav'n  from  whence  your  legions  feil 
If  that  way  be  your  walk,  you  have  not  far  ; 
So  much  the  nearer  danger ;  go  and  speed ; 
Havoc  and  spoil  and  ruin  are  my  gain. 

He  ceas'd  ;  and  Satan  stay'd  not  to  reply, 
But  glad  that  now  his  sea  should  find  a  shore, 
With  fresh  alacrity  and  force  renew'd 
Springs  upward  like  a  pyramid  of  fire 
Into  the  wild  expanse,  and  through  the  shock 
Of  fighting  elements,  on  all  sides  round 
Environ'd  wins  his  way :  harder  beset 
And  more  endanger'd,  that  when  Argo  pass'd 
Through  Bosporus  betwixt  the  justling  rocks  • 
Or  when  Ulysses  on  the  larboard  shunn'd 
Charybdis,  and  by  th'  other  whirlpool  steer'd. 
So  he  with  difficulty  and  labour  hard 
Moved  on,  with  difficulty  and  labour  he  ; 
But  he  once  past,  soon  after  when  man  fell. 
Strange  alteration  !  Sin  and  Death  amain 
Following  his  track,  such  was  the  will  of  heav'n 
Pav'd  after  him  a  broad  and  beaten  way 
Over  the  dark  abyss,  whose  boiling  gulf 
Tamely  endur'd  a  bridge  of  wond'rous  length 
From  hell  continu'd  reaching  th'  utmost  orb 
Of  this  frail  world  ;  by  which  the  spirits  ppr.^..^ 


t'<*  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IL 

W  )h  easy  intercourse  pass  to  and  fro 
To  tempt  or  punish  mortals,  except  whom 
God  and  good  angels  guard  by  special  grace. 
But  now  at  last  the  sacred  influence 
Of  light  appears,  and  from  the  walls  of  heav'n 
Shoots  far  into  the  bosom  of  dim  night 
A  glimmering  dawn;  here  Nature  first  begins 
Her  farthest  verge,  and  Chaos  to  retire 
As  from  her  outmost  works  a  broken  foe 
With  tumult  less,  and  with  less  hostile  din, 
That  Satan  with  less  toil,  and  now  with  ease 
Wafts  on  the  calmer  wave  by  dubious  light. 
And  like  a  weather-beaten  vessel  hold? 
Gladly  the  port,  though  shrouds  and  tackle  torn 
Or  in  the  emptier  waste,  resembling  air, 
Weighs  his  spread  wings,  at  leisure  to  behold 
Far  off  th'  empyreal  heav'n,  extended  wide 
In  circuit,  undetermin'd  square  or  round, 
With  opal  tow'rs  and  battlements  adorn'd 
Of  living  sapphire,  once  his  native  seat ; 
And  fast  by,  hanging  in  a  golden  chain 
This  pendent  world,  in  bigness  as  a  star 
Of  smallest  magnitude  close  by  the  moor-, 
Thither  full  fraught  with  mischievous  revenge 
Accurs'd,  and  in  a  cursed  hour  he  hies. 


THE  END  OF  THE   SECOND   BOOK, 


THE 

THIRD   BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


OD  sitting  on  his  throne  sees  Satan  flying  towards  this  world,  then 
newly  created ;  shows  him  to  the  Son  who  sat  at  his  right  hand  ; 
foretells  the  success  of  Satan  in  perverting  mankind ;  clears  his 
own  justice  and  wisdom  from  all  imputation,  having  created  Man 
free  and  able  enough  to  have  withstood  his  tempter ;  yet  declares 
his  purpose  of  grace  towards  him,  in  regard  he  fell  not  of  his  own 
malice,  as  did  Satan,  but  by  him  seduced.  The  Son  of  God  ren- 
ders praises  to  his  Father  for  the  manifestation  »f  his  gracious 
purpose  towards  Man  ;  but  God  again  declares,  that  grace  cannot 
be  extended  towards  Man  without  the  satisfaction  of  divine 
justice;  Man  hath  offended  the  majesty  of  God  by  aspiring  to 
godhead,  and,  therefore,  with  all  his  progeny  devoted  to  death 
must  die,  unless  some  one  can  be  found  sufficient  to  answer  for 
his  offence,  and  undergo  his  punishment.  The  Son  of  God 
freelv  offers  himself  a  ransom  for  Man :  the  Father  accepts  him, 
ordains  his  incarnation,  pronounces  his  exaltation  above  all  names 
in  Heaven  and  Earth ;  commands  all  the  Angels  to  adore  him  ; 
they  obey,  and  hymning  to  their  harps  in  full  choir,  celebrate  the 
Father  and  the  Son.  Meanwhile  Satan  alights  upon  the  bare 
convex  of  this  world's  outermost  orb ;  where  wandering,  he  first 
finds  a  place,  since  called  the  Limbo  of  Vanity ;  what  persons 
and  things  fly  up  thither ;  thence  comes  to  the  gate  of  Heaven, 
described  ascending  by  stairs,  and  the  waters  above  the  firma- 
ment that  flow  about  it ;  his  passage  thence  to  the  orb  of  the 
sun  ;  he  finds  there  Uriel,  the  regent  of  that  orb,  but  first  chan 
ges  himself  into  the  shape  of  a  meaner  Angel ;  and  pretending 
a  zealous  desire  to  behold  the  new  creation  and  Man  whom  Goa 
had  placed  here,  inquires  of  him  the  place  of  his  habitation,  and 
is  directed  •  alights  first  on  mount  Niphates. 


PARA  DISE    LOST. 


BOO&  III. 

HAIL  holy  Light,  offspring  of  heav'n,  first-born. 

Or  of  th'  Eternal  co-eternal  beam ; 

May  I  express  thee  unblam'd  ?  since  God  is  tight, 

And  never  but  in  unapproached  light 

Dwelt  from  eternity,  dwelt  then  in  thee, 

Bright  effluence  of  bright  essence  increate. 

Or  hear'st  thou  rather  pure  ethereal  stream, 

Whose  fountain  who  shall  tell  ?  before  the  sun, 

Before  the  heav'ns  thou  wert,  and  at  the  voice 

Of  God,  as  with  a  mantle  didst  invest 

The  rising  world  of  waters  dark  and  deep, 

Won  from  the  void  and  formless  infinite. 

Thee  I  revisit  now  with  bolder  wing, 

Escap'd  the  Stygian  pool,  though  long  detain 'd 

In  that  obscure  sojourn,  while  in  my  flight 

Through  utter  and  through  middle  darkness  borne 

With  other  r  otes  than  to  th'  Orphean  lyre 

I  sung  of  Cl  aos  and  eternal  Night, 

Taught  by  the  heav'nly  Muse  to  venture  down 

The  dark  descent,  and  up  to  re-ascend, 

Though  hard  and  rare  •  thee  I  revisit  safe, 

And  feel  thy  sov'reign  vital  lamp ;  but  thou 

Revisit'st  not  these  eyes,  that  roll  in  vain 

To  find  thy  piercing  ray,  and  find  no  dawn ; 

So  thick  a  drop  serene  hath  quench'd  their  oil»s, 

Or  dim  suffusion  veil'd.     Yet  not  the  more 


70  PARADISE  LOST.  [UOOK  \V 

Cease  I  to  wander,  where  the  Muses  haunt 

Clear  spring,  or  shady  grove,  or  sunny  hill 

Smit  with  the  love  of  sacred  song;  but  chief 

Thee  Sion,  and  the  flow'ry  brooks  beneath, 

That  wash  thy  hallow'd  feet,  and  warbling  flow 

Nightly  I  visit ;  nor  sometimes  forget 

Those  other  two  equall'd  with  me  in  fate, 

So  were  I  equall'd  with  them  in  renown, 

Blind  Thamyris  and  blind  Mseonides, 

And  Tiresias  and  Phineus  prophets  old  : 

Then  feed  on  thoughts,  that  voluntary  move 

H:\rmonious  numbers ;  as  the  wakeful  bird 

Sings  darkling,  and  in  shadiest  covert  hid, 

Tunes  her  nocturnal  note.     Thus  with  the  year 

Seasons  return,  but  not  to  me  returns 

Day,  or  the  sweet  approach  of  ev'n  or  morn, 

Or  sight  of  vernal  bloom,  or  summer's  roso, 

Or  flocks,  or  herds,  or  human  face  divine ; 

But  cloud  instead,  and  ever-during  dark 

Surrounds  me,  from  the  cheerful  ways  of  men 

Cut  off,  and  for  the  book  of  knowledge  fair 

Presented  with  a  universal  blank 

Of  nature's  works,  to  me  expung'd  and  raz'd. 

And  wisdom  at  one  entrance  quite  shin  ou.. 

So  much  the  rather  thou,  celestial  Light, 

Shine  inward,  and  the  mind  through  -all  her  pow'rs 

Irradiate,  there  plant  eyes,  all  mist  from  thence 

Purge  and  disperse,  that  I  may  see  and  tell 

Of  things  invisible  to  mortal  sight. 

Now  had  th'  almighty  Father  from  above. 
From  the  pme  empyrean  where  he  sits 
High  throned  above  all  height,  bent  down  his  eye, 
His  own  works  and  their  works  at  once  to  view ; 
About  him  all  the  Sanctities  of  heav'n 
Stood  thick  as  stars,  and  from  his  sight  receiv'd 
Beatitude  past  utterance ;  on  his  right 
The  radiant  image  of  his  glory  sat, 
His  only  Son;  on  earth  he  first  beheld 
Our  two  first  parents  yet  the  only  two 


6<J( -K  Ul.J  PARADISE  LOST.  7] 

Of  mankind,  in  the  happy  garden  plac'd 

Reaping  immortal  fruits  of  joy  and  love, 

Uninterrupted  joy,  unrivall'd  love 

In  blissful  solitude;  he  then  survey'd 

Hell  and  the  gulf  between,  and  Satan  there 

Coasting  the  wall  of  heav'n  on  this  side  Night 

In  the  dun  air  sublime,  and  ready  now 

To  stoop  with  wearied  wings  and  willing  feet 

On  the  bare  outside  of  this  world,  that  seem'd 

Firm  land  imbosom'd,  without  firmament, 

Uncertain  which,  in  ocean  or  in  air. 

Him  God  beholding  from  his  prospect  high, 

Wherein  past,  present,  future  he  beholds, 

Thus  to  his  only  Son  foreseeing  spake : 

Only  begotten  Son,  seest  thou  what  rage 
Transports  our  Adversary  ?  whom  no  bounds 
Prescrib'd,  no  bars  of  hell,  nor  all  the  chains 
Heap'd  on  him  there,  nor  yet  the  main  abyss 
Wide  interrupt  can  hold ;  so  bent  he  seems 
On  desperate  revenge,  that  shall  redound 
Upon  his  own  rebellious  head.     And  now 
Through  all  restraint  broke  loose  he  wings  his  way 
Not  far  off  heav'n,  in  the  precints  of  light, 
Directly  tow'rds  the  new  created  world, 
And  man  there  plac'd,  with  purpose  to  assay 
If  him  by  force  he  can  destroy,  or  worse, 
By  some  false  guile  pervert ;  and  shall  pervert, 
For  man  will  hearken  to  his  glozing  lies, 
And  easily  transgress  the  sole  command, 
Sole  pledge  of  his  obedience  :  so  will  fall, 
He  and  his  faithless  progeny :  Whose  fault  ? 
Whose  but  his  own  ?  Ingrate,  he  had  of  me 
All  he  could  have ;  I  made  him  just  and  right, 
Sufficient  to  have  stood,  though  free  to  fall. 
Such  I  created  all  th'  ethereal  pow'rs 
And  spirits,  both  them  who  stood,  and  them  who  fr  • 
Freely  they  stood  who  stood,  and  fell  who  fell 
Not  free,  what  proof  could  they  have  giv'n  sincef 
Of  true  allegiance,  constant  faith  or  love. 


73  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  1)1 

Where  only  what  they  needs  must  do  appear'd, 

Not  what  they  would  ?  what  praise  could  they  roceiv*'. ? 

What  pleasure  I  from  such  obedience  paid, 

When  will  and  reason  (reason  also  is  choice) 

Useless  and  vain,  of  freedom  both  despoil'd, 

Made  passive  both,  had  serv'd  necessity, 

Not  me  ?  They  therefore  as  to  right  belong'd, 

So  were  created,  nor  can  justly  accuse 

Their  Maker,  or  their  making,  or  their  fate, 

As  if  predestination  overrul'd 

Their  will,  dispos'd  by  absolute  decree 

Or  high  foreknowledge ;  they  themselves  decreed 

Their  own  revolt,  not  I ;  if  I  foreknew, 

Foreknowledge  had  no  influence  on  their  fault, 

Which  had  no  less  prov'd  certain  unforeknown. 

So  without  least  impulse  or  shadow  of  fate 

Or  ought  by  me  immutably  foreseen, 

They  trespass,  authors  to  themselves  in  all 

Both  what  they  judge  and  what  they  choose  ;  for  st 

I  form'd  them  free,  and  free  they  must  remain, 

Till  they  inthral  themselves ;  I  else  must  change 

Their  nature,  and  revoke  the  high  decree 

Unchangeable,  eternal,  which  ordain'd 

Their  freedom,  they  themselves  ordain'd  their  fall . 

The  first  sort  by  their  own  suggestion  fell, 

Self-tempted,  self-deprav'd  :   Man  falls,  deceiv'd 

By  th'  other  first :  Man  therefore  shall  find  grace, 

The  other  none  :  in  mercy  and  justice  both, 

Through  heav'n  and  earth,  so  shall  my  glory  excel' 

But  mercy  first  and  last  shall  brightest  shine. 

Thus  while  God  spake,  ambrosial  fragrance  fil  'd 
All  heav'n,  and  in  the  bless'd  Spirits  elect 
Sense  of  new  joy  ineffable  diffus'd  : 
Beyond  compare  the  Son  of  G'od  was  seen 
Most  glorious ;   in  him  all  his  Father  shone 
Substantially  express'd,  and  in  his  face 
Divine  compassion  visibly  appear'd, 
Love  without  end  and  without  measure  grace, 
Which  uttering  thus  he  to  his  Father  spake  • 


B'5OK  III.]  PARADISE   LOST.  73 

O  Father,  gracious  was  that  word  which  clos'd 
Thy  sov'reign  sentence,  that  Man  should  find  grace  ; 
For  which  both  heav'n  and  earth  shall  high  extol 
Thy  praises,  with  th'  innumerable  sound 
Of  hymns  and  sacred  songs,  wherewith  thy  throne 
Encompass'd  shall  resound  thee  ever  blest. 
For  should  Man  finally  be  lost,  should  Man, 
Thy  creature  late  so  lov'd,  thy  youngest  son, 
Fall  circumvented  thus  by  fraud,  though  join'd 
With  his  own  folly  ?  that  be  from  thee  far. 
That  far  be  from  thee,  Father,  who  art  judge 
Of  all  things  made,  and  judgest  only  right. 
Or  shall  the  Adversary  thus  obtain 
His  end,  and  frustrate  thine  ?  shall  he  fulfil 
His  malice,  and  thy  goodness  bring  to  naught, 
Or  proud  return,  though  to  his  heavier  doom- 
Yet  with  revenge  accomplish'd,  and  to  hell 
Draw  after  him  the  whole  race  of  mankind 
By  him  corrupted  ?  or  wilt  thou  thyself 
Abolish  thy  creation,  and  unmake 
For  him  what  for  thy  glorv  thou  hast  made? 
So  should  thy  goodness  and  thy  greatness  both 
Be  question'd,  and  blasphem'd  without  defence. 

To  whom  the  great  Creator  thus  reply'd : 
O  Son,  in  whom  my  soul  hath  chief  delight, 
Son  of  my  bosom,  Son  who  art  alone 
My  word,  my  wisdom,  and  effectual  might, 
All  hast  thou  spoken  as  my  thoughts  are,  all 
As  my  eternal  purpose  hath  decreed : 
Man  shall  not  quite  be  lost,  but  sav'd  who  will, 
Yet  not  of  will  in  him,  but  grace  in  me 
?reely  vouchsaf 'd  ;  once  more  I  will  renew 
His  lapsed  pow'rs,  though  forfeit,  and  inthrall'd 
By  sin,  to  foul  exorbitant  desires ; 
Upheld  by  me  yet  once  more  lie  shall  stand 
On  even  ground  against  his  mortal  foe, 
By  me  upheld,  that  he  may  know  how  frail 
His  fall'n  condition  is,  and  to  me  owe 
All  his  deliverance  ;  and  to  none  bxit  me. 
1 


74  PARADISE   LOST.  [f>OOK   Ml. 

Some  I  have  chosen  of  peculiar  grace 
Elect  above  the  rest ;  so  is  my  will : 
The  rest  shall  hear  me  call,  and  oft  be  warn'd 
Their  sinful  state,  and  to  appease  betimes 
Th'  incensed  Deity,  while  offer'd  grace 
.  nvites  ;  for  I  will  clear  their  senses  dark 
What  may  suffice,  and  soften  stony  hearts 
To  pray,  repent,  and  bring  obedience  due. 
To  pray'r,  repentance,  and  obed'ence  due, 
Though  but  endeavour'd  with  sincere  intent, 
Mine  ear  shall  not  be  slow,  mine  eye  not  shut. 
And  I  will  place  within  them  as  a  guide 
My  umpire,  conscience,  whom  if  they  will  heaj 
Light  after  light  well  us'd  they  shall  attain, 
And  to  the  end  persisting,  safe  arrive. 
This  my  long  sufferance  and  my  day  of  grace 
They  who  neglect  and  scorn,  shall  never  taste 
But  hard  be  harden'd,  blind  be  blinded  more, 
That  they  may  stumble  on,  and  deeper  fall ; 
And  none  but  such  from  mercy  1  exclude. 
But  yet  all  is  not  done  ;  Man  disobeying, 
Disloyal  breaks  his  fealty,  and  sins 
Against  the  high  supremacy  of  heaven, 
Affecting  godhead,  and  so  losing  all, 
To  expiate  his  treason  hath  naught  left, 
But  to  destruction  sacred  and  devote, 
He  with  his  whole  posterity  must  die, 
Die  he,  or  justice  must ;  unless  for  him 
Some  other  able,  and  as  willing,  pay 
The  rigid  satisfaction,  death  for  death. 
Say  heav'nly  Pow'rs  where  shall  we  find  such  love 
Which  of  ye  will  be  mortal  to  redeem 
lan's  mortal  crime,  and  just  th'  unjust  to  save  ? 
Dwell's  in  all  heaven  charity  so  dear  ? 

He  ask'd,  but  all  the  heav'nly  choir  stood  mute, 
And  silence  was  in  heav'n;  on  man's  behalf 
Patron  or  intercessor  none  appear'd, 
Much  less  that  durst  upon  his  own  head  draw 
The  J«adlv  forfeiture,  and  ransom  set 


BOOK  III.]  PARADISE  LOST.  75 

And  now  without  redemption  all  mankind 

Must  have  been  lost,  adjudg'd  to  Death  and  hell 

By  doom  severe,  had  not  the  Son  of  God, 

In  whom  the  fulness  dwells  of  love  divine, 

His  dearest  mediation  thus  renew'd. 

Father  thy  word  is  past,  man  shall  find  grace  ; 

And  shall  grace  not  find  means,  that  finds  her  way, 

The  speediest  of  thy  winged  messengers, 

To  visit  all  thy  creatures,  and  to  all 

Comes  unprevented,  unimplor'd,  unsought? 

Happy  for  man,  so  coming;  he  her  aid 

Can  never  seek,  once  dead  in  sins  and  lost ; 

Atonement  for  himself  or  offering  meet ; 

Indebted  and  undone,  hath  none  to  bring  ; 

Behold  me  then  ;  me  for  him,  life  for  life 

I  offer;  on  me  let  thine  anger  fall ; 

Account  me  Man ;  I  for  his  sake  will  leave 

Thy  bosom,  and  this  glory  next  to  thee 

Freely  put  off*,  and  for  him  lastly  die 

Well  pleased ;  on  me  let  Death  wreck  all  his  rage 

Under  his  gloomy  pow'r  I  shall  not  long 

Lie  vanquish'd ;  thou  hast  giv'n  me  to  possess 

Life  in  myself  for  ever ;  by  thee  I  live, 

Though  now  to  Death  I  yield,  and  am  his  due 

All  that  of  me  can  die ;  yet  that  debt  paid, 

Thou  wilt  not  leave  me  in  the  loathsome  grave 

His  prey,  nor  suffer  my  unspotted  soul 

For  evei  with  corruption  there  to  dwell ; 

But  I  shall  rise  victorious,  and  subdue 

My  vanquisher,  spoil'd  of  his  vaunted  spoil ; 

Death  his  death's  wound  shall  then  receive,  ana  o-toop 

Inglorious,  of  his  mortal  sting  disarm'd. 

I  through  the  ample  air  in  triumph  high 

Shall  lead  hell  captive,  maugre  hell,  and  show 

The  Pow'rs  of  darkness  bound.     Thou  at  the  sight 

Pleas'd  out  of  heaven  shall  look  down  and  smile, 

While  by  thee  rais'd  I  ruin  all  my  foes, 

Death  last,  and  with  his  carcass  glut  the  grave 

Then  with  the  multitude  of  mv  redeem'd 


76  PARADISE    LOST.  |  RO<M       1 

Shall  enter  heav'n  long  absent,  and  return, 
Father,  to  see  thy  face  wherein  no  cloud 
Of  anger  shall  remain,  but  peace  assur'd 
And  reconcilement ;  wrath  shall  be  no  more 
Thenceforth,  but  in  thy  presence  joy  entire. 

His  words  here  ended,  but  his  meek  aspect 
Silent  yet  spake,  and  breath 'd  immortal  love 
To  mortal  men,  above  which  only  shone 
Filial  obedience  :  as  a  sacrifice 
Glad  to  be  offer'd  he  attends  the  will 
Of  his  great  Father.     Admiration  seiz'd 
All  heav'n,  what  this  might  mean,  and  whither  tend 
Wond'ring  :  but  soon  th'  Almighty  thus  reply'd 

O  thou  in  heav'n  and  earth  the  only  peace 
Found  out  for  mankind  under  wrath,  0  thou 
My  sole  complacence  !  well  thou  know'st  how  dear 
To  me  are  all  thy  works,  nor  man  the  least, 
Though  last  created ;  that  for  him  I  spare 
Thee  from  my  bosom  and  right  hand,  to  save 
By  losing  thee  awhile,  the  whole  race  lost. 
Thou  therefore,  whom  thou  only  canst  redeem, 
Their  nature  also  to  thy  nature  join  ; 
And  be  thyself  man  among  men  on  earth, 
Made  flesh,  when  time  shall  be,  of  virgin  seed, 
By  wond'rous  birth :  be  thou  in  Adam's  room 
The  head  of  all  mankind,  though  Adam's  son. 
As  in  him  perish  all  men,  so  in  thee, 
As  from  a  second  root,  shall  be  restor'd 
As  many  as  are  restor'd,  without  thee  none. 
His  crime  makes  guilty  all  his  sons ;  thy  merit 
Imputed  shall  absolve  them  who  renounce 
Their  own  both  righteous  and  unrighteous  deeds, 
And  live  in  thee  transplanted,  and  from  thee 
Receive  new  life.     So  man,  as  is  most  just, 
Shall  satisfy  for  man,  be  judg'd  and  die, 
And  dying  rise,  and  rising  with  him  raise 
His  brethren,  ransom'd  with  his  own  dear  life 
So  heav'nly  love  shall  outdo  hellish  hate, 
Giving  to  death,  and  dying  to  redeem 


BOOK  HI.]  PARADISE  LOST.  77 

So  dearly  to  redeem  what  hellish  hate 

So  easily  destroy'd  and  still  destroys 

In  those  who,  when  they  may,  accept  not  grace. 

Nor  shalt  thou,  hy  descending  to  assume 

Man's  nature,  lessen  or  degrade  thine  own, 

Because  thou  hast,  though  thron'd  in  highest  bliss 

Equal  to  God,  and  equally  enjoying 

Godlike  fruition,  quitted  all,  to  save 

A  world  from  utter  loss,  and  hast  been  found 

By  merit  more  than  birthright  Son  of  God, 

Found  worthiest  to  be  so  by  being  good, 

Far  more  than  great  or  high  :  because  in  thee 

Love  hath  abounded  more  than  glory  abounds, 

Therefore  thy  humiliation  shall  exalt 

With  thee  thy  manhood  also  to  this  throne ; 

Here  shalt  thou  sit  incarnate,  here  shalt  reign 

Both  God  and  man,  Son  both  of  God  and  man, 

Anointed  universal  King  :  all  power 

I  give  thee ;  reign  for  ever,  and  assume 

Thy  merits :  under  thee  as  head  supreme, 

Thrones,  Princedoms,  Pow'rs,  Dominions  I  reduce . 

All  knees  to  thee  shall  bow,  of  them  that  bide 

In  heav'n,  or  earth,  or  under  earth  in  hell. 

When  thou  attended  gloriously  from  heav'n 

Shalt  in  the  sky  appear,  and  from  thee  send 

Thy  summoning  Arch- Angels  to  proclaim 

Thy  dread  tribunal ;  forthwith  from  all  winds 

The  living,  and  forthwith  the  cited  dead 

Of  all  past  ages,  to  the  general  doom 

Shall  hasten,  such  a  peal  shall  rouse  their  sleep. 

Then  all  thy  saints  assembled,  thou  shalt  judge 

Bad  men  and  Angels :  they  arraign'd  shall  sink 

Beneath  thy  sentence ;  hell,  her  numbers  full, 

Thenceforth  shall  be  for  ever  shut.     Meanwhile 

The  world  shall  burn,  and  from  her  ashes  spring 

New  heav'n  and  earth,  wherein  the  just  shall  dwell, 

And  after  all  their  tribulations  long 

See  golden  days,  fruitful  o/  golden  deeds, 

With  joy  and  love  triumphing,  and  fair  truth. 


78  PARADISE   LOST.  [COOK  III. 

Then  thou  thy  regal  sceptre  shall  lay  by, 

For  regal  sceptre  then  no  more  shall  need, 

God  shall  be  all  in  all.     But  all  ye  gods, 

Adore  him,  who  to  compass  all  this  dies  ! 

Adore  the  Son,  and  honour  him  as  me. 

No  sooner  had  th'  Almighty  ceas'd,  but  all 

The  multitude  of  Angels  with  a  shout 

Loud  as  from  lu/nbers  without  number,  sweet 

As  from  blest  voices  uttering  joy,  heav'n  rung 

With  jubilee,  and  loud  hosannas  fill'd 

Th'  eternal  regions  :  lowly  reverent 

Tow'rds  either  throne  they  bow,  and  to  the  ground 

With  solemn  adoration  down  they  cast 

Their  crowns  inwove  with  amaranth  and  gold  ; 

Immortal  amaranth,  a  flow'r  which  once 

in  Paradise,  fast  by  the  tree  of  life, 

Began  to  bloom  ;  but  soon  for  Man's  offence 

To  heav'n  remov'd,  where  first  it  grew,  there  grows, 

And  flow'rs  aloft  shading  the  fount  of  life, 

And  where  the  river  of  bliss  through  midst  of  heav'n 

Rolls  o'er  Elysian  flow'rs  her  amber  stream  ; 

With  these  that  never  fade,  the  Spirits  elect 

Bind  their  resplendent  locks  inwreath'd  with  beams, 

Now  in  loose  garlands  thick  thrown  off,  the  bright 

Pavement,  that  like  a  sea  of  jasper  shone, 

Im purpled  with  celestial  roses  smil'd, 

Then  crowned  again,  their  golden  harps  they  took, 

Harps  ever  tun'd,  that  glittering  by  their  side 

Like  quivers  hung,  and  with  preamble  sweet 

Of  charming  symphony  they  introduce 

Their  sacred  song,  and  waken  raptures  high  , 

No  voice  exempt,  no  voice  but  well  could  join 

Melodious  part,  such  concord  is  in  heav'n. 

Thee,  Father,  first  they  sung  Omnipotent, 
Immutable,  Immortal,  Infinite, 
Eternal  King;  the  Author  of  all  being, 
Fountain  of  light,  thyself  invisible 
Amidst  the  glorious  brightness  where  thou  sil'sl 
Thron'd  inaccessible,  but  when  thou  shad'si 


BOOK  111.]  PARADISE  LOST  79 

The  full  blaze  of  thy  beams,  and  through  a  cloud 
Drawn  round  about  thee  like  a  radiant  shrine. 
Dark  with  excessive  bright  thy  skirts  appear, 
Yet  dazzle  heav'n  that  brightest  seraphim 
Approach  not,  but  with  both  wings  veil  their  eyes. 

Thee  next  they  sang  of  all  creation  first, 
Begotten  Son,  divine  similitude, 
In  whose  conspicuous  count'nance,  without  cloud 
Made  visible,  th'  Almighty  Father  shines, 
Whom  else  no  creature  can  behold ;  on  thee 
Impress'd  th'  effulgence  of  his  glory  abides, 
Transfus'd  on  thee  his-  ample  spirit  rests. 
He  heav'n  of  heav'ns  and  all  the  pow'rs  there- n 
By  thee  created,  and  by  thee  threw  down 
Th'  aspiring  dominations  :  thou  that  day 
Thy  Father's  dreadful  thunder  didst  not  spare, 
Nor  stop  thy  flaming  chariot  wheels  that  shook 
Heav'ns  everlasting  frame  while  o'er  the  necks 
Thou  drov'st  of  warring  angels  disarray'd. 
Back  from  pursuit  thy  pow'rs  with  loud  acclaim 
Thee  only  extoll'd  Son  of  thy  Father's  might, 
To  execute  fierce  vengeance  on  his  foes, 
Not  so  on  man  :  him  through  their  malice  fall'n, 
Father  of  mercy  and  grace,  thou  didst  not  doom 
So  strictly,  but  much  more  to  pity  incline  : 
No  sooner  did  thy  dear  and  only  Son 
Perceive  thee  purpos'd  not  to  doom  frail  nrnn 
So  strictly,  but  much  more  to  pity  inclin'd, 
He  to  appease  thy  wrath,  and  end  the  strife 
Of  mercy  and  justice  in  thy  face  discern 'd, 
Kegardless  of  the  bliss  wherein  he  sat 
Second  to  thee,  offer'd  himself  to  die 
For  man's  offence.     O  unexampled  love, 
Liove  no  where  to  be  found  leas  than  divine  ! 
Hail  Son  of  God,  Saviour  of  men  thy  name 
Shall  be  the  copious  matter  of  my  song 
Henceforth,  and  never  shall  my  harp  thy  prni.se 
Forget,  nor  from  thy  Father's  praise  disjoin. 
Thus  they  in  heav'n,  above  the  starry  sphere, 


bO  PARADISE  LOST.  |  HOOK  111 

Their  happy  hours  in  joy  and  hymning  spent. 

Meanwhile  upon  the  firm  opacous  globe 

Of  this  round  world,  whose  first  convex  divides 

The  luminous  inferior  orbs  enclos'd 

From  Chaos  and  th'  inroad  of  Darkness  old, 

Satan  alighted  walks  :  a  globe  far  off 

It  seem'd,  now  seems  a  boundless  continent ; 

Dark,  waste,  and  wild,  under  the  frown  of  Night, 

Starless  expos'd,  and  ever-threat'ning  storms 

Of  Chaos  blust'ring  round,  inclement  sky, 

Save  on  that  side  which  from  the  wall  of  heav'n, 

Though  distant  far,  some  small  reflection  gains 

Of  glimm'ring  air,  less  vex'd  with  tempest  loud ; 

Here  walk'd  the  fiend  at  large  in  spacious  field. 

As  when  a  vulture  on  Imaus  bred, 

Whose  snowy  ridge  the  roving  Tartar  bounds. 

Dislodging  from  a  region  scarce  of  prey 

To  gorge  the  flesh  of  lambs,  or  yeanling  kids, 

On  hills  where  flocks  are  fed,  flies  tow'rd  the  springs 

Of  Ganges  or  Hydaspes,  Indian  streams  ; 

But  in  his  way  lights  on  the  barren  plains 

Of  Sericana,  where  Chinesus  drive 

VV^ith  sails  and  wind  their  cany  wagons  light : 

So  on  this  windy  sea  of  land,  the  fiend 

Walk'd  up  and  down  alone,  bent  on  his  prey  : 

Alone,  for  other  creature  in  this  place 

Living  or  lifeless  to  be  found  was  none  ; 

None  yet,  but  store  hereafter  from  the  earth 

Up  hither  like  aerial  vapours  flew 

Of  all  things  transitory  and  vain,  when  sin 

With  vanity  had  fill'd  the  works  of  men  ; 

Both  all  things  vain,  and  all  who  in  vain  things 

Built  their  fond  hopes  of  glory  or  lasting  fame, 

Or  happiness  in  this  or  th'  other  life  : 

All  who  have  their  reward  on  earth,  the  fruits 

Of  painful  superstition  and  blind  zeal, 

Naught  seeking  but  the  praise  of  men,  here  find 

Fit  retribution,  empty  as  their  deeds  ; 

All  th'  unaccomplish'd  works  of  Nature's  hund 


BOOK  fll.]  PARADISE  LOST.  81 

Abortive,  monstrous,  or  unkindly  mix'd 

Dissolv'd  on  earth,  fleet  hither,  and  in  vain, 

Till  final  dissolution,  wander  here, 

Not  in  the  neighb'ring  moon,  as  some  have  dream'd 

Those  argent  fields  more  likely  habitants, 

Translated  saints,  or  middle  spirits  hold 

Betwixt  th'  angelical  and  human  kind. 

Hither  of  ill-join'd  sons  and  daughters  born 

First  from  the  ancient  world  those  giants  came 

With  many  a  vain  exploit,  though  then  renown'd 

The  builders  next  of  Babel  on  the  plain 

Of  Sennaar,  and  still  with  vain  design 

New  Babels,  had  they  wherewithal,  would  build  : 

Others  came  single ;  he  who  to  be  deem'd 

A  God,  leap'd  fondly  into  JEtna  flames, 

Empedocles;  and  he  who  to  enjoy 

Plato's  Elysium,  leap'd  into  the  sea, 

Cleombrotus  :  and  many  more  too  long, 

Embryos  and  idiots,  eremites  and  friars, 

White,  black,  and  grey,  with  all  their  trumpery. 

Here  pilgrims  roam,  that  stray'd  so  far  to  seek 

In  Golgotha  him  dead,  who  lives  in  heaven; 

And  they  who  to  be  sure  of  Paradise 

Dying  put  on  the  weeds  of  Dominic, 

Or  in  Franciscan  think  to  pass  disguis'd  ; 

They  pass  the  planets  sev'n,  and  pass  the  fix'd, 

And  that  crystalline  sphere^  whose  balance  weighs 

The  trepidation  talk'd,  and  that  first  mov'd : 

And  now  saint  Peter  at  heav'n's  wicket  seems 

To  wait  them  with  his  keys,  and  now  at  foot 

Of  heav'n's  ascent  they  lift  their  feet,  when  lo 

A  violent  cross  wind  from  either  coast 

Blows  them  transverse  ten  thousand  leagues  awry 

Into  the  devious  air;  then  might  ye  see 

*  "And  that  crystalline  sphere,"  &c.  an  allusion  to  the  Ptole- 
maic notion  of  a  trepidation  or  libration  in  the  crystalline  hoa 
ven,  caused  by  the  primum  mobile,  or  first-moved  and  iir.U  mover. 


82  PARADISE   LOST.  [HOOK   .Tl 

Cowls,  hoods,  and  habits,  with  their  wearers  lost 

And  fiutter'd  into  rags,  then  reliques,  beads, 

Indulgences,  dispenses,  pardons,  bulls, 

The  sport  ol  winds :  all  these  upwhirl'd  aloft 

Fly  o'er  the  backside  of  the  world  far  off 

Into  a  limbo  large  and  broad,  since  call'd 

The  paradise  of  fools,  to  few  unknown 

Long  after,  now  unpeopled,  and  untrod. 

All  this  dark  globe  the  fiend  found  as  he  pass'd, 

And  Jong  he  wander'd,  till  at  last  a  gleam 

Of  dawning  light  turn'd  thither-ward  in  haste 

His  travell'd  steps :  far  distant  he  descries 

Ascending  by  degrees  magnificent 

Up  to  the  wall  of  heav'n,  a  structure  high  ; 

At  top  whereof,  but  far  more  rich  appear'd 

The  work  as  of  a  kingly  palace  gate, 

With  frontispiece  of  diamond  and  gold 

Embellish'd  :  thick  with  sparkling  orient  gems 

The  portal  shone,  inimitable  on  earth 

By  model,  or  by  shading  pencil  drawn. 

The  stairs  were  such  as  whereon  Jacob  saw 

Angels  ascending  and  descending,  bands 

Of  guardians  bright,  when  he  from  Esau  fled 

To  Padan-Aram,  in  the  field  of  Luz 

Dreaming  by  night  under  the  open  sky, 

And  waking  cry'd,  This  is  the  gate  of  heav'n. 

Each  stair  mysteriously  was  meant,  nor  stood 

There  always,  but  drawn  up  to  heav'n  sometimes 

Viewless;  and  underneath  a  bright  sea  flow'd 

Of  jasper,  or  of  liquid  pearl,  whereon 

Who  after  came  from  earth,  sailing  arriv'd 

Wafted  by  angels,  or  flew  o'er  the  lake 

Rapt  in  a  chariot  drawn  by  fiery  steeds. 

The  stairs  were  then  let  down,  whether  to  dare 

The  fiend  by  easy  ascent,  or  aggravate 

His  sad  exclusion  from  the  doors  of  bliss : 

Direct  against  which  open'd  from  beneath, 

Just  o'er  the  blissful  seat  of  Paradise, 

A  passage  down  to  th'  oarth,  a  passage  wide, 


BOOK   111.  PARADISE  LOST. 

Wider  by  far  than  that  of  after  times 

Over  mount  Sum. ;  and,  though  that  were  large, 

Over  the  promis'd  land,  to  God  so  dear, 

By  which,  to  visit  oft  those  happy  tribes, 

On  high  behests  his  angels  to  and  fro 

Pass'd  frequent,  and  his  eye  with  choice  regard, 

From  Paneas  the  fount  of  Jordan's  flood 

To  Beersheba,  where  the  Holy  Land 

Borders  on  Egypt,  and  the  Arabian  snore  : 

So  wide  the  op'ning  seem'd,  where  bounds  vvere^e' 

To  darkness,  such  as  bound  the  ocean  wave. 

Satan  from  hence,  now  on  the  lower  stair 

That  scal'd  by  steps  of  gold  to  heaven  gate, 

Looks  down  with  wonder  at  the  sudden  view 

Of  all  this  world  at  once.     As  when  a  scout 

Through  dark  and  desert  ways  with  peril  gone 

All  night,  at  last  by  break  of  cheerful  dawn 

Obtains  the  brow  of  some  high-climbing  hill, 

Which  to  his  eye  discovers  unaware 

The  goodly  prospect  of  some  foreign  land 

First  seen,  or  some  renown'd  metropolis 

With  glist'ring  spires  and  pinnacles  adorn'd, 

Which  now  the  rising  sun  gilds  with  his  beams ; 

Such  wonder  seiz'd,  though  after  heaven  seen, 

The  spirit  malign,  but  much  more  'envy  seiz'd, 

At  sight  of  all  this  world  beheld  so  fair. 

Round  he  surveys  (and  well  might,  where  he  stood 

So  high  above  the  circling  canopy 

Of  night's  extended  shade)  from  eastern  point 

Of  Libra  to  the  fleecy  star  that  bears 

Andromeda  far  off  Atlantic  seas 

Beyond  th'  horizon  ;  then  from  pole  to  pole 

He  views  in  breadth,  and  without  longer  pause 

Downright  into  the  world's  first  region  throws 

His  flight  precipitant,  and  winds  with  ease 

Through  the  pure  marble  air.  his  oblique  way 

Amongst  innumerable  stars,  that  shone 

Stars  distant,  but  nigh  hand  seem'd  other  worlds  . 

Oi  other  worlds  they  seem'd,  or  happy  isles. 


S4  PAKAD1S£  LOST.  [BOOK  IM 

Like  those  Hesperian  gurdens  fam'd  of  old, 

Fortunate  fields,  and  groves,  and  flow'ry  vales, 

Thrice  happy  isles,  but  who  dwelt  happy  there 

He  stay'd  not  to  inquire  :  above  them  all 

The  golden  sun  in  splendour  likest  heav'n 

Allur'd  his  eye;  thither  his  course  he  bends 

Through  the  calm  firmament  (but  up  or  down, 

By  centre,  or  eccentric,  hard  to  tell, 

Or  longitude,)  where  the  great  luminary 

Aloof  the  vulgar  constellations  thick, 

That  from  his  lordly  eye  keep  distance  due, 

Dispenses  light  from  far  ;  they  as  they  move 

Their  starry  dance  in  numbers  that  compute 

Days,  months,  and   years,   tow'rds   his  all-che?rir»g 

lamp 

Turns  swift  their  various  motions,  or  are  turn'd 
By  his  magnetic  beam,  that  gently  warms 
The  universe,  and  to  each  inward  part 
With  gentle  penetration,  though  unseen, 
Shoots  invisible  virtue  ev'ri  to  the  deep  ; 
So  wondrously  was  set  his  station  bright 
There  lands  the  fiend,  a  spot  like  which  perhajv 
Astronomer  in  the  sun's  lucent  orb 
Through  his  glaz'd  optic  tube  yet  never  saw. 
The  place  he  found  beyond  expression  bright, 
Compar'd  with  aught  on  earth,  metal  of  stone ; 
Not  all  parts  like,  but  all  alike  inform'd 
With  radiant  light,  as  glowing  iron  with  fire  ; 
If  metal,  part  seem'd  gold,  part  silver  clear ; 
If  stone,  carbuncle  most  or  chrysolite, 
Ruby  or  topaz,  to  the  twelve  that  shone 
In  Aaron's  breast-plate,  and  a  stone  besides 
Imagin'd  rather  oft  than  elsewhere  seen, 
That  stone,  or  like  to  that  which  here  below 
Philosophers  in  vain  so  long  have  sought, 
In  vain,  though  by  their  pow'rful  art  they  bind 
Volatile  hermes,  and  call  up  unbound 
In  various  shapes  old  Proteus  from  the  sea, 
Drain'd  through  a  limbec  to  his  native  form. 


BOOK  III.]  PARADISE  LOST.  8 

What  wonder  then  if  fields  and  regions  hero 
Breathe  forth  elixir  pure,  and  rivers  run 
Potable  gold,  when  with  one  virtuous  touch 
Th'  arch-chemic  sun,  so  far  from  us  remote, 
Produces,  with  terrestrial  humour  mix'd, 
4ere  in  the  dark  so  many  precious  things 
Of  colour  glorious,  and  effect  so  rare  ? 
Here  matter  new  to  gaze  the  Devil  met 
Undazzled ;  far  and  wide  his  eye  commands  ; 
For  sight  no  obstacle  found  here,  nor  shade, 
But  all  sunshine,  as  when  his  beams  at  noon 
Culminate  from  th'  equator,  as  they  now 
Shot  upward  still  direct,  whence  no  way  round 
Shadow  from  body  opaque  can  fall ;  and  th'  air 
No  where  so  clear,  sharpen'd  his  visual  ray 
To  objects  distant  far,  whereby  he  soon 
Saw  within  ken  a  glorious  angel  stand, 
The  same  whom  John  saw  also  in  the  sun : 
His  back  was  turn'd,  but  not  his  brightness  hid  ; 
Of  beaming  sunny  rays  a  golden  tiar 
Circled  his  head,  nor  less  his  locks  behind 
Illustrious  on  his  shoulders  fledge  with  wings 
Lay  waving  round  ;  on  some  great  charge  employ'd 
He  seem'd,  or  fix'd  in  cogitation  deep. 
Glad  was  the  spirit  impure,  as  now  in  hope 
To  find  who  might  direct  his  wandering  flight 
To  Paradise  the  happy  seat  of  man, 
His  journey's  end  and  our  beginning1  wo, 
But  first  he  casts  to  change  his  proper  shape, 
Which  else  might  work  him  danger  or  delay  ; 
And  now  a  stripling  cherub  he  appears, 
Not  of  the  prime,  yet  such  as  in  his  face 
Youth  smil'd  celestial,  and  to  every  limb 
Suitable  grace  diffus'd,  so  well  he  feign'd  : 
Under  a  coronet  his  flowing  hair 
In  curls  on  either  cheek  play'd  ;  wings  he  wore 
Of  many  a  colour'd  plume  sprinkled  with  gold, 
His  habit  fit  for  speed  succinct,  and  held 
Before  his  decent  ptops  a  silver  wand. 
S 


S6  PARADISE   U)ST.  [ROOK   HI 

He  drew  not  nigh  unheard  ;  the  angel  bright, 

Ere  he  drew  nigh,  his  radiant  visage  turii'd, 

Admonish'd  by  his  ear,  and  straight  was  known 

Th'  arch-angel  Uriel,  one  of  the  seven 

Who  in  God's  presence,  nearest  to  his  throne, 

Stand  ready  at  command,  and  ere  his  eyes 

That  run  through  all  the  heav'n's,  or  down  to  th'  earth 

Bear  his  swift  errands  over  moist  and  dry, 

O'er  sea  and  land  :  him  Satan  thus  accosts  : 

Uriel,  for  thou  of  those  seven  spirits  that  stand 
In  sight  of  God's  high  throne,  gloriously  bright, 
The  first  art  wont  his  great  authentic  will 
Interpreter  through  highest  heav'n,  to  bring, 
Where  all  his  sons  thy  embassy  attend ; 
And  here  art  likeliest  by  supreme  decree 
Like  honour  to  obtain,  and  as  his  eye 
To  visit  oft  this  new  creation  round ; 
Unspeakable  desire  to  see,  and  know 
All  these  his  wondrous  works,  but  chiefly  man 
His  chief  delight,  and  favour,  him  for  whom 
All  these  this  work  so  wondrous  he  ordain'd, 
Hath  brought  me  from  the  choirs  of  cherubim 
Alone  thus  wand'ring.     Brightest  seraph,  tell 
In  which  of  all  these  shining  orbs  hath  man 
His  fixed  seat,  or  fixed  seat  hath  none, 
But  all  these  shining  orbs  his  choice  to  dwell 
That  I  may  find  him,  and  with  secret  gaze 
Or  open  admiration  him  behold, 
On  whom  the  great  Creator  hath  bestow'd 
Worlds,  and  on  whom  hath  all  these  graces  pour'd 
That  both  in  him  and  all  things,  as  is  meet 
The  universal  Maker  we  may  praise ; 
Who  justly  hath  driv'n  out  his  rebel  foes 
To  deepest  hell,  and  to  repair  that  loss 
Created  this  new  happy  race  of  men 
To  serve  him  better  :  wise  are  all  his  ways 

So  spake  the  false  dissembler  unperceiv'd  ; 
For  neither  man  nor  angel  can  discern 
Hypocrisy,  the  only  evil  that  walks 


ftnOK  III.]  PARADISE  LOST.  97 

Invisible,  except  to  God  alone, 

By  his  permissive  will,  through  heav'n  and  earth: 

And  oft  though  wisdom  wake,  suspicion  sleeps 

At  Wisdom's  gate,  and  to  simplicity 

Resigns  her  charge,  while  goodness  thinks  no  ill 

Where  no  ill  seems  :  which  now  for  once  beguil'd 

Uriel,  though  regent  of  the  sun,  and  held 

The  sharpest  sighted  spirit  of  all  in  heav'n  ; 

Who  to  the  fraudulent  impostor  foul, 

In  his  uprightness  answer  thus  re  turn 'd : 

Fair  angel,  thy  desire  which  tends  to  know 
The  works  of  God,  thereby  to  glorify 
The  great  Work-master,  leads  to  no  excess 
That  reaches  blame,  but  rather  merits  praise 
The  more  it  seems  excess,  that  led  thee  hither 
From  thy  empyreal  mansion  thus  alone, 
To  witness  with  thine  eyes  what  some  perhaps 
Contented  with  report  hear  only  in  heav'n  : 
For  wonderful  indeed  are  all  his  works, 
Pleasant  to  know,  and  worthiest  to  be  all 
Had  in  remembrance  always  with  delight; 
But  what  created  mind  can  comprehend 
Their  number,  or  the  wisdom  infinite 
That  brought  them  forth,  but  hid  their  causes  drop  * 
I  saw  when  at  his  word  the  formless  mass. 
This  world's  material  mould,  came  to  a  heap : 
Confusion  heard  his  voice,  and  wild  uproar 
Stood  rul'd,  stood  vast  infinitude  confin'd 
Till  at  his  second  bidding  darkness  fled, 
Light  shone,  and  order  from  disorder  sprung  . 
Swift  to  their  several  quarters  hasted  then 
The  cumbrous  elements,  earth,  flood,  air,  fire  ; 
And  this  ethereal  quintessence  of  heav'n 
Flew  upward,  spirited  with  various  forms, 
That  roll'd  orbicular,  and  turn'd  to  stars 
Numberless,  as  thou  seest,  and  how  they  move  j 
Each  had  his  place  appointed,  each  his  course ; 
The  rest  in  circuit  walls  this  universe. 
Look  downward  on  that  globe,  whose  hither  side 


88  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  III. 

With  light  from  hence,  though  but  reflected,  shines. 
That  place  is  earth,  the  seat  of  man,  that  light 
His  day,  which  else  as  th'  other  hemisphere 
Night  would  invade :  but  there  the  neighb'ririg  moon 
(So  call  that  opposite  fair  star)  her  aid 
Timely  interposes,  and  her  monthly  round 
Still  ending,  still  renewing,  through  mid  heav'n, 
With  borrow'd  light  her  countenance  triform 
Hence  fills  and  empties  to  enlighten  th'  earth, 
And  in  her  pale  dominion  checks  the  night. 
That  spot  to  which  I  point,  is  Paradise, 
Adam's  abode,  those  lofty  shades  his  bower. 
Thy  way  thou  canst  not  miss,  me  mine  requires. 
Thus  said,  he  turn'd ;  and  Satan  bowing  low, 
As  to  superior  spirits  is  wont  in  heav'n, 
Where  honour  due  and  reverence  none  neglects, 
Took  leave,  and  tow'rd  the  coast  of  earth  beneath, 
Down  from  th'  ecliptic,  sped  with  hop'd  success, 
Throws  his  steep  flight  in  many  an  airy  wheel, 
Nor  stay'd  till  on  Niphates  top  he  lights. 


END  OF  BOOK  THIRD. 


THE 

FOURTH  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


S  ITAN  now  in  prospect  of  Eden,  and  nigh  the  place  where  he  must 
now  attempt  the  bold  enterprise  which  he  undertook  aloneagainst 
God  and  man,  falls  into  many  doubts  with  himself,  and  many 
passions;  fear,  envy,  and  despair:  but  at  length  confirms  him- 
self in  evil,  journeys  on  to  Paradise  whose  outward  prospect  and 
situation  is  described,  overleaps  the  bounds,  sits  in  the  shape  of 
a  cormorant  on  the  tree  of  life,  as  highest  in  the  garden,  to  look 
about  him.  The  garden  described  ;  Satan's  first  sight  of  Adam 
and  Eve  ;  his  wonder  at  their  excellent  form  and  happy  state, 
but  with  resolution  to  work  their  fall ;  overhears  (heir  discourse, 
thence  gathers  that  the  tree  of  knowledge  was  forbidden  them 
to  eat  of,  under  penalty  of  death ;  and  thereon  intends  to  found 
his  temptation,  by  seducing  them  to  transgress :  then  leaves 
them  awhile,  to  know  further  of  their  state  by  some  other  means. 
Meanwhile  Uriel  descending  on  a  sunbeam  warns  Gabriel,  who 
had  in  charge  the  gate  of  Paradise,  th;it  some  evil  spirit  had  es- 
caped the  deep,  and  passed  at  noon  by  his  sphere  in  the  shape  ol 
a  good  angel  down  to  Paradise,  discovered  after  by  his  furious 
gestures  in  the  mount.  Gabriel  promises  to  find  him  ere  morn- 
ing. Night  coming  on,  Adam  and  Eve  discourse  of  going  to 
their  rest :  their  bower  described  ;  their  evening  worship.  Ga- 
briel drawing  forth  his  bands  of  night-watch  to  walk  the  round 
of  Paradise,  appoints  two  strong  angels  to  Adam's  bower,  Iret 
the  evil  spirit  should  be  there  doing  some  harm  to  Adam  or  E\e 
sleeping  :  there  they  find  him  at  the  ear  of  Eve,  tempting  her  in 
a  dream,  and  bring  him,  though  unwilling,  to  G;i Uriel ;  by  whom 
questioned,  he  scornfully  answers,  prepares  resistance,  but  hin 
dercd  by  a  sign  from  Heaven,  flies  out  of  Paradise. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


liUOK.  IV. 

O  FOR  that  warning  voice,  which  he  who  saw 
Th'  Apocalypse  heard  cry  in  heav'n  aloud, 
Then  when  the  dragon,  put  to  second  rout, 
Came  furious  down  to  be  reveng'd  on  men, 
Wo  to  the  inhabitants  on  earth  !  that  now, 
While  time  was,  our  first  parents  had  been  warn'd 
The  coming  of  their  secret  foe,  and  'scap'd, 
Haply  so  'scap'd  his  mortal  snare  :  for  now 
Satan,  now  first  inflam'd  with  rage,  came  down, 
The  tempter  ere  th"  accuser  of  mankind, 
To  wreck  on  innocent  frail  man  his  loss 
Of  that  first  battle,  and  his  flight  to  hell ; 
Yet  not  rejoicing  in  his  speed,  though  bold 
Far  off  and  fearless,  nor  with  cause  to  boast, 
Begins  his  dire  attempt,  which  nigh  the  birth 
Now  rolling  bmls  in  his  tumultuous  breast, 
And  like  a  devilish  engine  back  recoils 
Upon  himself;  horror  and  doubt  distract 
His  troubled  thoughts,  and  from  the  bottom  stir 
The  hell  within  him ;  for  within  him  hell 
He  brings,  and  round  about  him,  nor  from  hell 
One  step  no  more  than  from  himself  can  fly 
By  change  of  place  :  now  concience  vakes  despair 
That  slumber'd,  wakes  the  bitter  merr  ory 
Of  what  he  was,  what  is,  and  what  ruast  be 
Worse ;  of  worse  deeds  worse  suff'nngs  must  ensue. 


92  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IV 

Sometimes  tow'rds  Eden,  which  now  in  his  view 
Lay  pleasant,  his  griev'd  look  he  fixes  sad  ; 
Sometimes  tow'rds  heav'n  and  the  full-blazing  sun. 
Which  now  sat  high  in  his  meridian  tower: 
Then  much  revolving,  thus  in  sighs  began : 

O  thou  that  with  surpassing  glory  crown'd, 
Look'st  from  thy  sole  dominion  like  the  God 
Of  this  new  world ;  at  whose  sight  all  the  stars 
Hide  their  diminish'd  heads ;  to  thee  I  call, 
But  with  no  friendly  voice,  and  add  thy  name 

0  Sun,  to  tell  thee  how  I  hate  thy  beams, 
That  bring  to  my  remembrance  from  what  state 

1  fell,  how  glorious  once  above  thy  sphere ; 
Till  pride  and  worse  ambition  threw  me  down 
Warring  in  heav'n  against  heav'n's  matchless  K'...£ 
Ah  wherefore !  he  deserv'd  no  such  return 

From  me,  whom  he  created  what  I  was 

In  that  bright  eminence,  and  with  his  good 

Upbraided  none  ;  nor  was  his  service  hard. 

What  could  be  less  than  to  afford  him  praise, 

The  easiest  recompense,  and  pay  him  thanks, 

How  due !  yet  all  his  good  prov'd  ill  in  me, 

And  wrought  but  malice;  lifted  up  so  high 

I  'sdain'd  subjection;  and  thought  one  step  higher 

Would  set  me  highest,  and  in  a  moment  quit 

The  debt  immense  of  endless  gratitude, 

So  burdensome  still  paying,  still  to  owe, 

Forgetful  what  from  him  I  still  receiv'd, 

And  understood  not  that  a  grateful  mind 

By  owing  owes  not,  but  still  pays,  at  once 

Indebted  and  discharg'd  ;  what  burden  then  ? 

O  had  his  pow'rful  destiny  ordain'd 

Me  some  inferior  angel,  I  had  stood 

Then  happy ;  no  unbounded  hope  had  rais'd 

Ambition.     Yet  why  not  ?  some  other  power 

As  great  might  have  aspir'd,  and  me,  though  mean 

Drawn  to  his  part;  but  other  pow'rs  as  great 

Fell  not,  but  stand  unshaken,  from  within, 

Or  from  without,  to  all  temptations  arm'd 


Bou&  J  V.J  PARADISE  LOST.  93 

Hadst  thou  the  same  free  will  and  pow'r  to  star  d  ? 

Thou  hadst :  whom  hast  thou  then  or  what  t'  accuse 

But  heav'n's  free  love  dealt  equally  to  all? 

Be  then  his  love  accurs'd,  since  love  or  hate 

To  me  alike,  it  deals  eternal  wo. 

Nay  curs'd  be  thou ;  since  against  his,  thy  will 

Chose  freely  what  it  now  so  justly  rues. 

Me  miserable  !  which  way  shall  I  fly 

Infinite  wrath,  and  infinite  despair  ? 

Which  way  I  fly  is  hell :  myself  am  hell : 

And  in  the  lowest  deep,  a  lower  deep 

Still  threat'ning  to  devour  me  opens  wide, 

To  which  the  hell  I  suffer  seems  a  heav'n. 

0  then  at  last  relent :  is  there  no  place 
Left  for  repentance,  none  for  pardon  left  ? 
None  left  but  by  submission ;  and  that  word 
Disdain  forbids  me,  and  my  dread  of  shame 
Among  the  spirits  beneath,  whom  I  seduc'd 
With  other  promises  and  other  vaunts 
Than  to  submit,  boasting  I  could  subdue 
Th'  Omnipotent.     Ay  me !  they  little  know 
How  dearly  I  abide  that  boast  so  vain, 
Under  what  torments  inwardly  I  groan, 
While  they  adore  me  on  the  throne  of  hell. 
With  diadem  and  sceptre  high  advanc'd, 
The  lower  still  I  fall,  only  supreme 

In  misery ;  such  joy,  ambition  finds. 
But  say  I  could  repent,  and  could  obtain 
By  act  of  grace  my  former  state  :  how  soon 
Would  height  recal  high  thoughts,  how  soon  unsay 
What  feign'd  submission  swore  ?  ease  would  recanJ 
Vows  made  in  pain,  as  violent  and  void : 

or  never  can  true  reconcilement  grow 
Where  wounds  of  deadly  hate  have  pierc'd  so  deep 
Which  would  but  lead  me  to  a  worse  relapse 
And  heavier  fall :  so  should  I  purchase  dear 
Short  intermission,  bought  with  double  smart 

1  his  knows  my  punisher :  therefore  as  far 
From  granting  he,  as  I  from  begging  peace  . 


94  PARADISE  LOST.  \KOOH  IV 

All  hope  excluded  thus,  behold  instead 

Of  us  out-cast,  exil'd,  his  new  delight 

Mankind  created,  and  for  him  this  world. 

So  farewell  hope,  and  with  hope  farewell  fear, 

Farewell  remorse  :  all  good  to  me  is  lost 

Evil  be  thou  my  good  ;  by  thee  at  least 

Divided  empire  with  heav'n's  King  I  hold, 

By  thee,  and  more  than  half  perhaps  will  reign  ; 

As  man  ere  long,  and  this  new  world  shall  know. 

Thus  while  he  spake,  each  passion  dimm'd  his  face 
Thrice  chang'd  with  pale,  ire,  envy,  on4  despair  ; 
Which  marr'd  his  borrow'd  visage,  and  betray'd 
Him  counterfeit,  if  any  eye  beheld  ; 
For  heav'nly  minds  from  such  distempers  foul 
Are  ever  clear.     Whereof  he  soon  aware, 
Each  perturbation  smooth'd  with  outward  calm 
Artificer  of  fraud ;  and  was  the  first 
That  practis'd  falsehood  under  saintly  show, 
Deep  malice  to  conceal,  couch'd  with  revenge ; 
Yet  not  enough  had  practis'd  to  deceive 
Uriel  once  warn'd ;  whose  eye  pursu'd  him  down 
The  way  he  went,  and  on  th'  Assyrian  mouni 
Saw  him  disfigur'd  more  than  could  befal 
Spirit  of  happy  sort ;  his  gestures  fierce 
He  mark'd,  and  mad  demeanour,  then  alone, 
As  he  suppos'd,  all  unobserv'd,  unseen. 
So  on  he  fares,  and  to  the  border  comes 
Of  Eden,  where  delicious  Paradise, 
Now  nearer,  crowns  with  her  enclosure  green, 
As  with  a  rural  mound,  the  champaign  head 
Of  a  steep  wilderness,  whose  hairy  sides 
With  thicket  overgcown,  grotesque  and  wild, 
Access  deny'd  :  and  over  head  up  grew 
Insuperable  height  of  loftiest  shade, 
Cedar,  and  pine,  and  fir,  and  branching  palm, 
A  sylvan  scene,  and  as  the  ranks  ascend 
Shade  above  shade,  a  woody  theatre 
Of  stateliest  view.     Yet  higher  than  their  tops 
The  verd'rous  wall  of  Paradise  up  sprung : 


BOOK  IV.]  PARADISE   LOST.  $5 

Which  to  our  general  sire  gave  prospect  large 

Into  his  nether  empire  neighb'ring  round. 

And  higher  than  that  wall,  a  circling  row 

Of  goodliest  trees  loaden  with  fairest  fruit, 

Blossoms  and  fruits  at  once  of  golden  hue, 

Appear'd,  with  gay  enammel'd  colours  mix'd  : 

On  which  the  sun  more  glad  im-press'd  his  beam? 

Than  in  fair  evening  cloud,  or  humid  bow, 

When  God  hath  show'r'd  the  earth ;  so  lovely  seeiu'd 

That  landscape  :  And  of  pure,  now  purer  air 

Meets  his  approach,  and  to  the  heart  inspires 

Vernal  delight  and  joy,  able  to  drive 

All  sadness  but  despair  :  now  gentle  gales 

Fanning  their  odoriferous  wings  dispense 

Native  perfumes,  and  whisper  whence  they  stole 

Those  balmy  spoils.     As  when  to  them  who  sail 

Beyond  the  Cape  of  Hope,  and  now  are  past 

Mozambic,  off  at  sea  north-east  winds  blew 

Sabean  odours  from  the  spicy  shore 

Of  Araby  the  blest,  with  such  delay 

Well  pleased  they  slack  their  course,  and  many   a 

league 

Cheer'd  with  the  grateful  smell  old  Ocean  smiles : 
So  entertain'd  these  odorous  sweets  the  fiend 
Who  came  their  bane,  though  with  them  better  pleas 'd 
Than  Asmodeus  with  the  fishy  fume 
That  drove  him,  though  enamour'd,  from  the  spouse 
Of  Tobit's  son,  and  with  a  vengeance  sent 
From  Media  post  to  Egypt,  there  fast  bound. 
Now  to  th'  ascent  of  that  steep  savage  hill, 
Satan  had  journey'd  on,  pensive  and  slow ; 
But  further  way  found  none   so  thick  entwin'd, 
As  one  continued  brake,  the  undergrowth 
Of  shrubs  and  tangling  bushes  had  perplex'd 
All  path  of  man  or  beast  that  pass'd  that  way : 
One  gate  there  only  was,  and  that  look'd  east 
On  th'  other  side  :  which  when  th'  arch-felon  saw, 
Due  entrance  he  disdain 'd,  and  in  contempt, 
At  one  slight  bound  high  overleap'd  all  bounJ 


9<>  PARADISE  LOST.  [fl-iOK  IV 

Of  hill  or  highest  wall,  and  sheer  within 

Lights  cm  his  feet.     As  when  a  prowling  wolf, 

Whom  hunger  drives  to  seek  new  haunt  for  prey, 

Watching  where  shepherds  pen  their  flocks  at  eve. 

In  hurdled  cotes,  amid  the  field  secure, 

Leaps  o'er  the  fence  with  ease  into  the  fold : 

Or  as  a  thief  bent  to  unhoard  the  cash 

Of  some  rich  burgher,  whose  substantial  doors, 

Cross-barr'd  and  bolted  fast,  fear  no  assault, 

In  at  the  window  climbs,  or  o'er  the  tiles  : 

So  clomb  this  first  grand  thief  into  God's  fold  : 

So  since  into  his  church  lewd  hirelings  climb. 

Thence  up  he  flew,  and  on  the  tree  of  life, 

The  middle  tree,  and  highest  there  that  gre.w, 

Sat  like  a  cormorant ;  yet  not  true  life 

Thereby  regain'd,  but  sat  devising  death 

To  them  who  liv'd ;  nor  on  the  virtue  thought 

Of  that  life  giving  plant,  but  only  us'd 

For  prospect,  what  well  us'd,  had  been  the  pledge 

Of  immortality.     So  little  knows 

Any  but  God  alone,  to  value  right 

The  good  before  him,  but  perverts  best  things 

To  worst  abuse,  or  to  their  meanest  use. 

Beneath  him  with  new  wonder  now  he  views 

To  all  delight  of  human  sense  expos'd, 

In  narrow  room  Nature's  whole  wealth,  yea  more, 

A  heav'n  on  earth :  for  blissful  Paradise 

Of  God  the  garden  was,  by  him  in  th'  east 

Of  Eden  planted  ;  Eden  stretch'd  her  line 

From  Auran  eastward  to  the  royal  towers 

Of  great  Seleucia,  built  by  Grecian  kings, 

Or  where  the  sons  of  Eden  long  before 

Dwelt  in  Telassar :  in  this  pleasant  soil 

His  far  more  pleasant  garden  God  ordain'd : 

Out  of  the  fertile  ground  he  caus'd  to  grow 

All  trees  of  noblest  kind  for  sight,  smell,  taste ; 

And  all  amid  them  stood  the  tree  of  life, 

High  eminent,  blooming  ambrosial  fruit 

Of  vegetable  fold  ;  and  next  to  life. 


BOOK  IV.  |  PARADISE  LOST.  97 

Our  death,  the  tree  of  knowledge  grew  fast  by, 

Knowledge  of  good  bought  dear  by  knowing  ill. 

Southward  through  Eden  went  a  river  large, 

Nor  chang'd  his  course,  but  through  the  shaggy  hill 

Pass'd  underneath  ingulf 'd;  for  God  had  thrown 

That  mountain  as  his  garden  mould  high  rais'd 

Upon  the  rapid  current,  which  through  veins 

Of  porous  earth,  with  kindly  thirst  up  drawn, 

Rose  a  fresh  fountain,  and  with  many  a  rill 

Water'd  the  garden  ;  thence  united  fell 

Down  the  steep  glade,  and  met  the  nether  flood, 

Which  from  his  darksome  passage  now  appears, 

And  now  divided  into  four  main  streams, 

Runs  diverse,  wand'ring  many  a  famous  realm 

And  country,  whereof  here  needs  no  account ; 

But  rather  to  tell  how,  if  art  could  tell, 

How  from  that  sapphire  fount  the  crisped  brooks, 

Rolling  on  orient  pearl  and  sands  of  gold, 

With  mazy  error  under  pendent  shades 

Ran  nectar,  visiting  each  plant,  and  fed 

Fiow'rs,  worthy  of  Paradise,  which  not  nice  art 

In  beds  and  curious  knots,  but  nature  boon 

Pour'd  forth  profuse  on  hill,  and  dale,  and  plain, 

Both  where  the  morning  sun  first  warmly  smote 

The  open  field,  and  where  the  unpierc'd  shade 

Imbrown'd  the  noon-tide  bow'rs  :  thus  was  this  place 

A  happy  rural  seat  of  various  view  ; 

Groves  whose  rich   trees   wept   odorous   gums   ancj 

balm; 

Others  whose  fruit  burnish'd  with  golden  rind 
Hung  amiable,  Hesperian  fables  true, 
If  true,  here  only,  and  of  delicious  taste  i 
Betwixt  them  lawns,  or  level  downs,  and  flocks 
Grazing  the  tender  herb,  were  interpos'd, 
Or  palmy  hillock  ;  or  the  flow'ry  lap 
Of  some  irriguous  valley  spread  her  store. 
Fiow'rs  of  all  hue,  and  without  thorn  the  rose : 
Another  side,  umbrageous  grots  and  caves 
Of  cool  recess,  o'er  which  the  mantling  vine 
9 


OS  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IV 

Lays  forth  her  purple  grape,  and  gently  creeps 

Luxuriant ;  meanwhile  murm'ring  waters  fall 

Down  the  slope  hills  dispers'd,  or  in  a  lake, 

That  to  the  fringed  bank  with  myrtle  crowu'd 

Her  crystal  mirror  holds,  unite  their  streams. 

The  birds  their  choir  apply :  airs,  vernal  airs, 

Breathing  the  smell  of  field  and  grove,  attune 

The  trembling  leaves,  while  universal  Pan 

Knit  with  the  Graces  and  the  Hours  in  dance, 

Led  on  th'  eternal  spring.     Not  that  fair  field 

Of  Enna,  where  Proserpine  gathering  flowers, 

Herself  a  fairer  flow'r  by  gloomy  Dis 

Was  gather'd,  which  cost  Ceres  all  that  pain 

To  seek  her  through  the  world  ;  nor  that  sweet  grove 

Of  Daphne  by  Orontes,  and  th'  inspir'd 

Castalian  spring,  might  with  this  Paradise 

Of  Eden  strive ;  nor  that  Nyseian  isle 

Girt  with  the  river  Triton,  where  old  Cham, 

Whom  Gentiles  Ammon  call  and  Lybian  Jove, 

Hid  Amalthea  and  her  florid  son 

Young  Bacchus  from  his  step-dame  Rhea's  eye : 

Nor  where  Abassin  kings  their  issue  guard, 

Mount  Amara,  though  this  by  some  suppos'd 

True  Paradise  under  the  Ethiop  line 

By  Nilus'  head,  enclos'd  with  shining  rock, 

A  whole  day's  journey  high,  but  wide  remote 

From  this  Assyrian  garden,  where  the  fiend 

Saw  undelighted  all  delight,  all  kind 

living  creatures  new  to  sight  and  strange : 
Two  of  far  nobler  shape,  erect  and  tall, 
Godlike  erect,  with  native  honour  clad 
In  naked  majesty,  seem'd  lords  of  all, 
And  worthy  seem'd :  for  in  their  looks  divine, 
The  image  of  their  glorious  Maker,  shone 
Truth,  wisdom,  sanctitude  severe  and  pure, 
(Severe  but  in  true  filial  freedom  plac'd^ 
Whence  true  authority  and  men  ;  though  both 
Not  equal,  as  their  sex  not  equal  seem'd  : 
V  or  contemplation  he,  and  valour  form'd  ; 


BOOK  IV.]  PARADISE  LOST.  99 

For  softness  she,  and  sweet  attractive  grace ; 
He  for  God  only,  she  for  God  in  him  : 
His  fair  large  front  and  eye  sublime  declar'd 
Absolute  rule;  and  hyacinthine  locks 
Round  from  his  parted  forelock  manly  hung 
Clust'ring,  but  not  beneath  his  shoulders  broad  : 
She  as  a  veil  down  to  the  slender  waist 
Her  unadorned  golden  tresses  wore 
Dishevel'd,  but  in  wanton  ringlets  wav'd 
As  the  vine  curls  her  tendrils,  which  imply 'd 
Subjection,  but  requir'd  with  gentle  sway, 
And  by  her  yielded,  by  him  best  receiv'd, 
Yielded  with  coy  submission,  modest  pride, 

nd  sweet  reluctant  amorous  delay. 
Nor  those  mysterious  parts  were  then  conceal M  ; 
Then  was  not  guilty  shame,  dishonest  shame 
Of  nature's  works ;  honour  dishonourable, 
Sin-bred,  how  have  ye  troubled  all  mankind 
With  shows  instead,  mere  shows  of  seeming  pure, 
And  banish'd  from  man's  life  his  happiest  life, 
Simplicity  and  spotless  innocence  ! 
So  pass'd  they  naked  on,  nor  shunn'd  the  siffht 
Of  God  or  Angel,  for  they  thought  no  ill : 
So  hand  in  hand  they  passM,  the  loveliest  pair 
That  ever  since  in  love's  embraces  met; 
Adam  the  goodliest  man  of  men  since  born 
His  sons,  the  fairest  of  her  daughters  Eve. 
Under  a  tuft  of  shade  that  on  a  green 
Stood  whisp'ring  soft,  by  a  fresh  fountain  side 
They  sat  them  down ;  and  after  no  more  toil 
3f  the;r  sweet  gard'ning  labour,  than  suffic'd 
To  recommend  cool  zephyr,  and  made  ease 
More  easy,  wholesome  thirst  and  appetite 
More  grateful,  to  their  supper  fruits  they  fell. 
Nectarine  fruits  which  the  compliant  boughs 
Yielded  them,  side-long  as  they  sat  recline 
On  the  soft  downy  bank  damask'd  with  flow'rs 
The  savoury  pulp  they  chew,  and  in  the  rind 
Still  as  they  thirsted  scoop  the  brimming  stream 


100  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IV 

Nor  gentle  purpose,  nor  endearing  smiles 
\Vanted,  nor  youthful  dalliance  as  beseems 
Fair  couple,  link'd  in  happy  nuptial  league. 
Alone  as  they.     About  them  frisking  play'd 
All  beasts  of  th'  earth,  since  wild,  and  of  all  chase 
In  wood  or  wilderness,  forest  or  den  ; 
Sporting  the  lion  ramp'd,  and  in  his  paw 
Dandled  the  kid  ;  bears,  tigers,  ounces,  pards, 
Gambol'd  before  them;  th'  unwieldly  elephant, 
To  make  them  mirth,  us'd  all  his  might,  and  wreath 
His  lithe  proboscis ;  close  the  serpent  sly 
Insinuating,  wove  with  Gordian  twine 
His  braided  train,  and  of  his  fatal  guile 
Gave  proof  unheeded;  others  on  the  grass 
Couch'd,  and  now  fill'd  with  pasture  gazing  sat, 
Or  bedward  ruminating  ;  for  the  sun 
Declin'd  was  hasting  now  with  prone  career 
To  the  ocean  isles,  and  in  th'  ascending  scale 
Of  heav'n,  the  stars  that  usher  evening  rose  : 
When  Satan  still  in  gaze,  as  first  he  stood, 
Scarce  thus  at  length  fail'd  speech  recover'd  sad. 
O  hell !  what  do  mine  eyes  with  grief  behold ! 
Into  our  room  of  bliss  thus  high  advanc'd 
Creatures  of  other  mould,  earth-born  perhaps, 
Not  spirits,  yet  to  heav'nly  spirits  bright 
Little  inferior  :  whom  my  thoughts  pursue 
With  wonder,  and  could  love,  so  lively  shines 
In  them  divine  resemblance,  and  such  grace 
The  hand  that  form'd  them  on  their  shape  hath  pom  d. 
Ah  gentle  pair,  ye  little  think  how  nigh 
Your  change  approaches,  when  all  these  delights 
Will  vanish  arid  deliver  ye  to  wo, 
More  wo,  the  more  your  taste  is  now  of  joy : 
Happy,  but  for  so  happy  ill  secur'd 
Long  to  continue,  and  this  high  seat  your  Iv-nv  u 
111  fenced  for  heaven  to  keep  out  such  a  foe 
As  now  is  enter'd  ;  yet  no  purpos'd  foe 
To  you,  whom  I  could  pity  thus  forlorn. 
Though  I  unpitied:  league  with  you  I  .s«e'<, 


BOOK  IV.]  PARADISE  LOST.  101 

And  mutual  amity  so  strait,  so  close, 

That  1  with  you  must  dwell,  or  you  with  me 

Henceforth :  my  dwelling  haply  may  not  please, 

Like  this  fair  Paradise,  your  sense,  yet  such 

Accept  your  Maker's  work  ;  he  gave  it  me, 

Which  I  as  freely  give ;  hell  shall  unfold, 

To  entertain  you  two,  her  widest  gates, 

And  send  forth  all  her  kings ;  there  will  be  room. 

Not  like  these  narrow  limits,  to  receive 

Your  numerous  offspring;  if  no  better  place, 

Thank  him  who  puts  me  loth  to  this  revenge 

On  you  who  wrong  me  not,  for  him  who  wrong  d. 

And  should  I  at  your  harmless  innocence 

Melt,  as  I  do,  yet  public  reason  just, 

Honour  and  empire  with  revenge  enlarg'd, 

By  conq'ring  this  new  world,  compels  me  now 

To  do  what  else  though  damn'd  I  should  abhor. 

So  spake  the  fiend,  and  with  necessity, 
The  tyrant's  plea  excus'd  his  devilish  deeds. 
Then  from  his  lofty  stand  on  that  high  tree 
Down  he  alights  among  the  sportful  herd 
Of  those  four-footed  kinds,  himself  now  one, 
Now  other,  as  their  shape  serv'd  best  his  end 
Nearer  to  view  his  prey,  and  unespy'd 
To  mark  what  of  their  state  he  more  might  learn 
By  word  or  action  mark'd  :  about  them  round, 
A  lion  now  he  stalks  with  fiery  glare  ; 
Then  as  a  tiger,  who  by  chance  hath  spy'd 
In  some  purlieu  two  gentle  fawns  at  play, 
Straight  couches  close,  then  rising,  changes  oft 
His  couchant  watch,  as  one  who  chose  his  ground, 
Whence  rushing  he  might  surest  seize  them  both 
Grip'd  in  each  paw  ;  when  Adam  first  of  men 
To  first  of  women  Eve,  thus  moving  speech, 
Turn'd  him  all  ear  to  hear  new  utterance  flow. 

Sole  partner,  and  sole  part,  of  all  these  joys, 
Dearer  thyself  than  all ;  needs  must  the  Pow'i 
That  made  us,  and  for  us  this  ample  world, 
Be  infinitely  good,  and  of  his  good 
a* 


102  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IV 

A1?  liberal  and  free  as  infinite ; 

That  rais'd  us  from  the  dust  and  plac'd  us  here 

In  all  this  happiness,  who  at  his  hand 

Have  nothing  merited,  nor  can  perform 

Aught  whereof  he  hath  need,  he  who  requires 

From  us  no  other  service  than  to  keop 

This  one,  this  easy  charge,  of  all  the  trees 

In  Paradise  that  bear  delicious  fruit 

So  various,  not  to  taste  that  only  tree 

Of  knowledge,  planted  by  the  tree  of  life  ; 

So  near  grows  death  to  life,  whate'er  death  is, 

Some  dreadful  thing  no  doubt:  for  well  thou  know'sl 

God  hath  pronounc'd  it  death  to  taste  that  tree, 

The  only  sign  of  our  obedience  left 

Among  so  many  signs  of  power  and  rule 

Conferr'd  upon  us,  and  dominion  given 

Over  all  other  creatures  that  possess 

Earth,  air,  and  sea.     Then  let  us  not  think  hard 

One  easy  prohibition,  who  enjoy 

Free  leave  so  large  to  all  things  else,  and  choice 

Unlimited  of  manifold  delights  : 

But  let  us  ever  praise  him,  and  extol 

His  bounty,  following  our  delightful  task 

To  prune  these  growing  plants,  and  tend  these  flow'rs, 

Which  were  it  toilsome,  yet  with  thee  were  sweet. 

To  whom  thus  Eve  reply'd :   0  thou  for  whom 
And  from  whom  I  was  form'd,  flesh  of  thy  flesh, 
And  without  whom  am  to  no  end,  my  guide 
And  head,  what  thou  hast  said  is  just  and  right, 
For  we  to  him  indeed  all  praises  owe, 
And  daily  thanks  ;  I  chiefly  who  enjoy 
So  far  the  happier  lot,  enjoying  thee 
Pre-eminent  by  so  much  odds,  while  thou 
Like  consort  to  thyself  canst  no  where  find. 
That  day  I  oft  remember,  when  from  sleep 
[  first  awak'd,  and  found  myself  repos'd 
Under  a  shade  on  flow'rs,  much  wond'ring  where 
And  what  I  was,  whence  thither  brought,  and  how 
Not  distant  far  from  thence  a  murm'ring  sounr> 


BOOK  1\'.]  PARADISE  LOST.  103 

Of  waters  issued  from  a  cave,  and  spread 

Into  a  liquid  plain,  then  stood  unmov'd 

Pure  as  th.  expanse  of  heav'n ;  I  thither  went 

With  unexperienc'd  thought,  and  laid  me  down 

On  the  grnen  bank,  to  look  into  the  clear 

Smooth  lake,  that  to  me  seem'd  another  sky. 

As  I  bent  down  to  look,  just  opposite 

A  shape  within  the  wat'ry  gleam  appear'd, 

Bending  to  look  on  me :  I  started  back, 

It  started  back ;  but  pleas'd  I  soon  return'd, 

Pleas'd  it  return'd  as  soon  with  answering  looks 

Of  sympathy  and  love;  there  I  had  fix'd 

Mine  eyes  till  now,  and  pin'd  with  vain  desire, 

Had  not  a  voice  thus  warn'd  me  :  what  thou  seest, 

What  there  thou  seest,  fair  creature,  is  thyself; 

With  thee  it  came  and  goes :  but  follow  me, 

And  I  will  bring  thee  where  no  shadow  stays 

Thy  coming,  and  thy  soft  embraces,  he 

Whose  image  thou  art ;  him  thou  shall  enjoy 

Inseparably  thine,  to  him  shalt  bear 

Multitudes  like  thyself,  and  thence  be  call'd 

Mother  of  human  race.     What  could  I  do, 

But  follow  straight,  invisibly  thus  led  ? 

Til!  I  espy'd  thee,  fair  indeed  and  tall, 

Under  a  plantain ;  yet  methought  less  fair, 

Less  winning  soft,  less  amiably  mild, 

Than  that  smooth  wat'ry  image :  back  I  turn'd  ; 

Thou  following  cry'st  aloud,  Return,  fair  Eve, 

Whom  fly'st  thou  ?  whom  thou  fly'st,  of  him  thou  art, 

His  flesh,  his  bone ;  to  give  thee  being  I  lent 

Out  of  my  side  to  thee,  nearest  my  heart, 

Subtantial  life,  to  have  thee  by  my  side 

Henceforth  an  individual  solace  dear; 

Part  of  my  soul  I  seek  thee,  and  thee  claim 

My  other  half:  with  that  thy  gentle  hand 

Seiz'd    mine  ;  I  yielded,  and  from  that  time  see 

How  beauty  is  excell'd  by  manly  grace 

And  wisdom,  which  alone  is  truly  fair. 

So  spake  our  general  mother,  and  with  eyes 


101  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IV 

Of  conjugal  attraction  unreprov'd, 

And  meek  surrender,  half-embracing  lean'd 

On  our  first  father  ;  half  her  swelling  breast 

Naked  met  his,  under  the  flowing  gold 

Of  her  loose  tresses  hid;  he  in  delight 

Both  of  her  beauty  and  submissive  charms 

Smil'd  with  superior  love,  as  Jupiter 

On  Juno  smiles,  when  he  impregns  the  clouds 

That  shed  May  flow'rs ;  and  press'd  her  matron  lip 

With  kisses  pu:e  :  aside  the  Devil  turn'd 

For  envy,  yet  with  jealous  leer  malign 

Ey'd  them  askance,  and  to  himself  thus  plain'd : 

Sight  hateful,  sight  tormenting  !  thus  these  two 
Imparadis'd  in  one  another's  arms, 
The  happier  Eden,  shall  enjoy  their  fill 
Of  bliss  on  bliss  ;  while  I  to  hell  am  thrust, 
Where  neither  joy  nor  love,  but  fierce  desire, 
Among  our  other  torments  not  the  least, 
Still  unfulfill'd  with  pain  of  longing  pines. 
Yet  let  me  not  forget  what  I  have  gain'd 
From  their  own  mouths  :  all  is  not  theirs  it  seems  , 
One  fatal  tree  there  stands  of  knowledge  call'H, 
Forbidden  them  to  taste  :  knowledge  forbidden  ? 
Suspicious,  reasonless.     Why  should  their  Lord 
Envy  them  that  ?  can  it  be  sin  to  know  ? 
Can  it  be  death  ?  and  do  they  only  stand 
By  ignorance  ?  is  that  their  happy  state, 
The  proof  of  their  obedience  and  their  faith  ? 
O  fair  foundation  laid  whereon  to  build 
Their  ruin !  Hence  I  will  excite  their  minds 
With  more  desire  to  know,  and  to  reject 
Envious  commands,  invented  with  design 
To  keep  them  low  whom  knowledge  might  exall 
Equal  with  gods  :  aspiring  to  be  such, 
They  taste  and  die ;  what  likelier  can  ensue  ? 
But  first  with  narrow  search  I  must  walk  round 
This  garden,  and  no  corner  leave  unspy'd ; 
A  chance   but  chance  may  lead  where  I  may  meet 
Some  wand'ring  spirit  of  heaven  by  fountain  side 


nOOKlV.j  PARADISE  LOST.  If)') 

Or  in  thick  shade  retir'd,  from  him  to  draw 

What  further  would  be  learn'd.    Live  while  ye  may 

Vet  happy  pair;  enjoy,  till  I  return, 

Short  pleasures,  for  long  woes  are  to  succeed. 

So  saying,  his  proud  step  he  scornful  turn'd, 
But  with  sly  circumspection,  and  began 
Through  wood,  through  waste,  o'er  hill,  o'er  dale  his 

roam. 

Meanwhile  in  utmost  longitude,  where  heav'n 
With  earth  and  ocean  meets,  the  setting  sun 
Slowly  descended,  and  with  right  aspect 
Against  the  eastern  gate  of  Paradise 
Levell'd  his  evening  rays :  it  was  a  rock 
Of  alabaster,  pil'd  up  to  the  clouds, 
Conspicuous  far,  winding  with  one  ascent 
Accessible  from  earth,  one  entrance  high; 
The  rest  was  craggy  cliff,  that  overhung 
Still  as  it  rose,  impossible  to  climb. 
Betwixt  these  rocky  pillars  Gabriel  sat, 
Chief  of  the  angelic  guards,  awaiting  night : 
About  him  exercis'd  heroic  games 
Th'  unarm'd  youth  of  heav'n  but  nigh  at  hand 
Celestial  armoury,  shields,  helms,  and  spears, 
Hung  high  with  diamond  flaming,  and  with  gold. 
Thither  came  Uriel,  gliding  through  the  even 
On  a  sun-beam,  swift  as  a  shooting  star 
In  autumn  thwarts  the  night,  when  vapours  fir'd 
Impress  the  air,  and  shows  the  mariner 
From  what  point  of  his  compass  to  beware 
Impetuous  winds  :  he  thus  began  in  haste : 

Gabriel,  to  thee  thy  course  by  lot  hath  given 
Charge  and  strict  watch,  that  to  this  happy  place 
No  evil  thing  approach  or  enter  in. 
This  day  at  height  of  noon  came  to  my  sphere 
A  spirit,  zealous,  as  he  seem'd,  to  know 
More  of  th'  Almighty's  works,  and  chiefly  matt 
God's  latest  image  :  I  describ'd  his  way 
Bent  all  on  speed,  and  mark'd  his  airy  gait  ; 
But  in  the  mount  that  lies  from  Eden  north 


108  PARADISE    LOST.  [BOOK  \V 

Where  he  first  lighted,  soon  discern'd  his  looks 
Alien  from  heav'n,  with  passions  foul  obscur  d : 
Mine  eye  pursu'd  him  still,  but  under  shade 
Lost  sight  of  him  :  one  of  the  banish'd  crew. 
I  fear,  hath  ventur'd  from  the  deep,  to  raise 
New  troubles  ;  him  thy  care  must  be  to  find. 

To  whom  the  winged  warrior  thus  return'd . 
Uriel,  no  wonder  if  thy  perfect  sight, 
Amid  the  sun's  bright  circle  where  thou  sit'st, 
See  far  and  wide  :  in  at  this  gate  none  pass 
The  vigilance  here  plac'd,  but  such  as  come 
Well  known  from  heav'n  ;  and  since  meridian  hour 
No  creature  thence  :  if  spirit  of  other  sort, 
So  minded,  have  o'er-leap'd  these  earthly  bounds 
On  purpose,  hard  thou  know'st  it  to  exclude 
Spiritual  substance  with  corporeal  bar  : 
But  if  within  the  circuit  of  these  walks, 
In  whatsoever  shape  he  lurk,  of  whom 
Thou  tell'st,  by  morrow  dawning  I  shall  know. 

So  promis'd  he ;  and  Uriel  to  his  charge 
Return'd  on  that  bright  beam,  whose  point  now  raisM 
Bore  him  slope  downward  to  the  sun  now  fall'n 
Beneath  th'  Azores  ;  whether  the  prime  orb, 
Incredible  how  swift,  had  thither  roll'd 
Diurnal,  or  this  less  voluble  earth, 
By  shorter  flight  to  th'  east,  had  left  him  there 
Arraying  with  reflected  purple  and  gold 
The  clouds  that  on  his  western  throne  attend. 

Now  came  still  evening  on,  and  twilight  grey 
Had  in  her  sober  livery  all  things  clad ; 
Silence  accompanied;  for  beast  and  bird, 
They  to  their  grassy  couch,  these  to  their  nests 
Were  slunk,  all  but  the  wakeful  nightingale  ; 
She  all  night  long  her  amorous  descant  sung , 
Silence  was  pleas'd :  now  glow'd  the  firmament 
With  living  sapphires :  Hesperus,  that  led 
The  starry  host,  rode  brightest,  till  the  moon 
Rising  in  clouded  majesty,  at  length 
Apparent  queen  unveil'd  her  peerless  light. 


BOOK  1V.J  PAHAD1SE   LOST.  10? 

And  o'er  the  dark  her  silver  mantle  threw. 
When  Adam  thus  to  Eve:  Fair  consort,  th'  hour 
Of  night,  and  all  things  now  retir'd  to  rest, 
Mind  us  of  like  repose,  since  God  hath  set 
Labour  and  rest,  as  day  and  night,  to  men 
Successive;  and  the  timely  dew  of  sleep 
Now  falling  with  soft  slumb'rous  weight  inclines 
Our  eye-lids  :  other  creatures  all  day  long 
Rove  idle  unemploy'd,  and  less  need  rest ; 
Man  hath  his  daily  work  of  body  or  mind 
Appointed,  which  declares  his  dignity, 
And  the  regard  of  heav'n  on  all  his  ways,, 
While  other  animals  unactive  range, 
And  of  their  doings  God  takes  no  account. 
To-morrow  ere  fresh  morning  streak  the  east 
With  first  approach  of  light,  we  must  be  risen 
And  at  our  pleasant  labour,  to  reform 
Yon  flow'ry  arbours,  yonder  alleys  green, 
Our  walk  at  noon,  with  branches  overgrown, 
That  mock  oui  scant  manuring,  and  require 
More  hands  than  ours  to  lop  their  wanton  growth : 
Those  blossoms  also,  and  those  dropping  gums, 
That  lie  bestiuwn  unsightly  and  unsmooth, 
Ask  riddance,  if  we  mean  to  tread  with  ease ; 
Meanwhile,  as  Nature  wills,  night  bids  us  rest. 

To  whom  thus  Eve  with  perfect  beauty  adorn'd 
My  author  and  disposer,  what  thou  bidst 
Unargued  I  obey ;  so  God  ordains  ; 
God  is  thy  law,  thou  mine :  to  know  no  more 
Is  woman's  happiest  knowledge  and  her  praise. 
With  thee  conversing  I  forget  all  time ; 
All  seasons  and  their  change,  all  please  alike. 
Sweet  is  the  breath  of  morn,  her  rising  sweet, 
With  charm  of  earliest  birds  ;  pleasant  the  sun, 
When  first  on  this  delightful  land  he  spreads 
His  orient  beams  on  herb,  tree,  fruit,  and  flower, 
Glist'ring  with  dew  ;  fragrant  the  fertile  earth 
After  soft  show'rs;  and  sweet  the  coming  on 
Of  grateful  evening  mild  ;  then  silent  night 


10S  PARADISK  iA>sr.  BOOK  iv 


With  this  her  solemn  bird,  and  this  fair  rnoon, 
And  these  the  gems  of  heav'n,  her  starry  train  ; 
But  neither  breath  of  morn,  when  she  ascends 
With  charm  of  earliest  birds  ;  nor  rising  sun 
On  this  delightful  land  ;  nor  herb,  fruit,  flow'r, 
Glist'ring  with  dew  ;  nor  fragrance  after  showers  : 
Nor  grateful  evening  mild  ;  nor  silent  night 
With  this  her  solemn  bird,  nor  walk  by  moon, 
Or  glittering  star-light,  without  thee  is  sweet  ; 
But  wherefore  all  night  long  shine  these?  for  whom 
This  glorious  sight,  when  sleep  hath  shut  all  eyes  ? 

To  whom  our  general  ancestor  reply'd  : 
Daughter  of  God  and  man,  accomplish  d  Eve, 
These  have  their  course  to  finish  round  the  earth, 
By  morrow  evening,  and  from  land  to  land 
In  order,  though  to  nations  yet  unborn, 
Minist'ring  light  prepar'd  they  set  and  rise  ; 
Lest  total  darkness  should  by  night  regain 
Her  old  possession,  and  extinguish  life 
In  nature  and  all  things,  which  these  soft  fires 
Not  only  enlighten,  but  with  kindly  heat 
Of  various  influence  foment  and  warm, 
Temper  or  nourish,  or  in  part  shed  down 
Their  stellar  virtue  on  all  kinds  that  grow 
On  earth,  made  hereby  apter  to  receive 
Perfection  from  the  sun's  more  potent  ray. 
These  then,  though  unbeheld  in  deep  of  nighl, 
Shine  not  in  vain  ;  nor  think,  though  men  were  none 
That  heav'n  would  want  spectators,  God  want  praiee  ; 
Millions  of  spiritual  creatures  walk  the  earth 
Unseen,  both  when  we  wake,  and  when  we  sleep  ; 
All  these  with  ceaseless  praise  his  works  behold 
Both  day  and  night  :  how  often  from  the  steep 
Of  echoing  hill  or  thicket  have  we  heard 
Celestial  voices  to  the  midnight  air, 
Sole,  or  reponsive  each  to  other's  note. 
Singing  their  great  Creator?  oft  in  bands 
While  they  keep  watch,  or  nightly  rounding  \v;i!i< 
With  heav'nly  touch  of  instrumeral  sounds 


BOOK  IV.j  PARADISE  LOST.  10£ 

In  full  harmonic  number  join'd,  their  songs 
Divide  the  night,  and  lift  our  thoughts  to  heav'n. 
Thus  talking,  hand  in  hand  alone  they  pass'd 
On  to  their  blissful  bow'r !   it  was  a  place 
Chos'n  by  the  sov'reign  Planter,  when  he  fram'd 
All  things  to  man's  delightful  use;  the  roof 
Of  thickest  covert  was  inwoven  shade, 
Laurel  and  myrtle,  and  what  higher  grew 
Of  firm  and  fragrant  leaf:  on  either  side 
Acanthus,  and  each  odorous  bushy  shrub 
Fenc'd  up  the  verdant  wall ;  each  beauteous  flow'r. 
Iris  all  hues,  roses,  and  jessamine, 
Rear'd    high    their    flourish'd    heads    between,    and 

wrought 

Mossaic ;  under  foot  the  violet, 
Crocus,  and  hyacinth  with  rich  inlay 
Broider'd  the  ground,  more  colour'd  than  with  stone 
Of  costliest  emblem  :  other  creature  here, 
Beast,  bird,  insect,  or  worm  durst  enter  none ; 
Such  was  their  awe  of  man.     In  shadier  bower 
More  sacred  and  sequester'd,  though  but  feign 'd, 
Pan  or  Sylvanus  never  slept,  nor  nymph, 
Nor  Faunus  haunted.     Here  in  close  recess 
With  flowers,  garlands,  and  sweet  smelling  herbs, 
Espoused  Eve  deck'd  first  her  nuptial  bed, 
And  heav'nly  choirs  the  hymenaean  sung, 
What  day  the  genial  angels  to  our  sire 
Brought  her  in  naked  beauty;  more  adorn 'd, 
More  lovely  than  Pandora,  whom  the  gods 
Endow'd  with  all  their  gifts,  and  O  too  like 
In  sad  event,  when  to  th'  unwiser  son 
Of  Japhet  brought  by  Hermes,  she  ensnar'd 
Mankind  with  her  fair  looks,  to  be  aveng'd 
On  him  who  had  stole  Jove's  authentic  fire. 

Thus  at  their  shady  lodge  arriv'd,  both  stood, 
Both  turn'd,  and  under  open  sky  ador'd 
The  God  that  made  both  sky,  air,  earth,  and  heav'ii 
Which  they  beheld,  the  moon's  resplendent  globe, 
And  starry  pole :  Thou  also  mad'st  the  night, 

10 


110  FAKADISE   LOST.  [iJOOK   IV 

Maker  omnipotent,  and  thou  the  day, 
Which  we  in  our  appointed  work  employ'd 
Have  finish'd,  happy  in  our  mutual  help 
And  mutual  love,  the  crown  of  all  our  bliss 
Ordain'd  by  thee,  and  this  delicious  place 
For  us  too  large,  where  thy  abundance  wants 
Partakers,  and  uncropt  falls  to  the  ground. 
But  thou  hast  promis'd  from  us  two,  a  race 
To  fill  the  earth,  who  shall  with  us  extol 
Thy  goodness  infinite,  both  when  we  wake, 
And  when  we  seek,  as  now,  thy  gift  of  sleep. 

This  said  unanimous,  and  other  rites 
Observing  none,  but  adoration  pure 
Which  GoJ  likes  best,  into  their  inmost  bower 
Handed  they  went ;  and  eas'd  the  putting  off 
These  troublesome  disguises  which  we  wear, 
Straight  side  by  side  were  laid;  nor  turn'd  I  ween 
Adam  from  his  fair  spouse,  nor  Eve  the  rites 
Mysterious  of  connubial  love  refus'd  : 
Whatever  hypocrites  austerely  talk 
Of  purity,  and  place,  and  innocence, 
Defaming  as  impure  what  God  declares 
Pure,  and  commands  to  some,  leaves  free  to  all. 
Our  Maker  bids  increase ;  who  bids  abstain 
But  our  destroyer,  foe  to  God  and  man  ? 
Hail  wedded  love,  mysterious  law,  true  source 
Of  human  offspring,  sole  propriety 
[n  Paradise  of  all  things  common  else. 
By  thee  adult'rous  love  was  driv'n  from  men 
A.mong  the  bestial  herds  to  range  ;  by  thee 
Founded  in  reason,  loyal,  just,  and  pure, 
Relations  dear,  and  all  the  charities 
Of  Father,  son,  and  brother  first  were  known. 
Far  be  it,  that  I  should  write  thee  sin  or  blame, 
Or  think  thee  unbefitting  holiest  place, 
Perpetual  fountain  of  domestic  sweets, 
Whose  bed  is  undefil'd  and  chaste  pronounc'd, 
Present,  or  past,  as  saints  and  patriarchs  us'd. 
Here  Love  his  qolden  shafts  employs,  here  lights 


BOOK  IV.J  PARADISE  LOST.  J]l 

His  constant  lamp,  and  waves  his  purple  wings, 
Reigns  here  and  revels ;  not  in  the  bought  smile 
Of  harlots,  loveless,  joyless,  unendear'd, 
Casual  fruition ;  nor  in  court  amours, 
Mix:'d  clance,  or  wanton  mask,  or  midnight  ball, 
Or  serenade,  which  the  starv'd  lover  .sings 
To  his  proud  fair,  best  quitted  with  disdain. 
These  lull'd  by  nightingales  embracing  slept, 
And  on  their  naked  limbs  the  flowr'y  roof 
Show'r'd  roses,  which  the  morn  repair'd.     Sleep  on, 
Blest  pair ;  and  O  yet  happiest,  if  ye  seek 
No  happier  state,  and  know  to  know  no  more. 

Now  had  night  measur'd  with  her  shadowy  cone 
Half  way  up  hill  this  vast  sublunar  vault, 
And  from  their  ivory  port  the  cherubim 
Forth  issuing  at  th'  accustom'd  hour  stood  arm'd 
To  their  night  watches  in  warlike  parade, 
When  Gabriel  to  his  next  in  pow'r  thus  spake : 

Uzziel,  half  these  draw  off,  and  coast  the  south 
With  strictest  watch  ;  these  other  wheel  the  north  ; 
Our  circuit  meets  full  west.     As  flame  they  part, 
Half  wheeling  to  the  shield,  half  to  the  spear. 
From  these,  two  strong  and  subtle  spirits  he  call'd 
That  near  him  stood,  and  gave  them  thus  in  charge : 

Ithuriel  and  Zephon,  with  wing'd  speed 
Search  through  this  garden,  leave  unsearch'd  no  nook  ; 
But  chiefly  where  those  two  fair  creatures  lodge, 
Now  laid  perhaps  asleep,  secure  of  harm. 
This  evening  from  the  sun's  decline  arriv'd 
Who  tells  of  some  infernal  spirit  seen 
Hitherward  bent  (who  could  have  thought  ?)  escap'd 
The  bars  of  hell,  on  errand  bad  no  doubt : 
Such  where  ye  find,  seize  fast,  and  hither  bring. 

So  saying,  on  he  led  his  radiant  files, 
Dazzling  the  moon  ;  these  to  the  bow'r  direct 
In  search  of  whom  they  sought :  him  there  they  found 
Squat,  like  a  toad,  close  at  the  ear  of  Eve, 
Assaying  by  his  devilish  art  to  reach 
Thp.  organs  of  her  fancy,  and  with  them  forge 


112  VARAUISE  LOST.  [  BOOK  IV 

Illusions  as  he  list,  phantasms  and  dreanih, 
Or  if,  inspiring  venom,  he  might  taint 
Th'  animal  spirits  that  from  pure  blood  arise 
Like  gentle  breaths  from  rivers  pure,  thence  raise 
At  least  distemper'd,  discontented  thoughts, 
Vain  hopes,  vain  aims,  inordinate  desires, 
Blown  up  with  high  conceits  engend'ring  pride. 
Him  thus  intent  Ithuriel  with  his  spear 
Touch'd  lightly ;  for  no  falsehood  can  endure 
Touch  of  celestial  temper,  but  returns 
Of  force  to  its  own  likeness  :  up  he  starts 
Discover'd  and  surpris'd.     As  when  a  spark 
Lights  on  a  heap  of  nitrous  powder,  laid 
Fit  for  the  tun  some  magazine  to  store 
Against  a  rumour'd  war,  the  smutty  grain 
With  sudden  blaze  diffus'd  inflames  the  air : 
So  started  up  in  his  own  shape  the  fiend, 
Back  slept  those  two  fair  angels  half  amaz'd, 
So  sudden  to  behold  the  grisly  king ; 
Yet  thus,  unmov'd  with  fear,  accost  him  soon : 
Which  of  those  rebel  spirits  adjudg'd  to  hell 
Com'st  thou,  escap'd  thy  prison  ?  and  transform'd, 
Why  sat'st  thou  like  an  enemy  in  wait, 
Here  watching  at  the  head  of  these  that  sleep  ? 

Know  ye  not  then,  said  Satan,  fill'd  with  scorn. 
Know  ye  not  me  ?  ye  knew  me  once  no  mate 
For  you,  there  sitting  where  ye  durst  not  soar  : 
Not  to  know  me  argues  yourselves  unknown, 
The  lowest  of  your  throng  ;  or  if  ye  know, 
Why  ask  ye,  and  superfluous  begin 
Your  message,  like  to  end  as  much  in  vain  ? 

To  whom  thus  Zephon,  answ'ring  scorn  with  scorn 
Think  not  revolted  spirit,  thy  shape  the  same, 
Or  undiminish'd  brightness  to  be  known, 
As  when  thou  stood'st  in  heav'n  upright  and  pure ; 
That  glory  then,  when  thou  no  more  wast  good, 
Departed  from  thee :  and  thou  resemblest  now 
Thy  sin  and  place  of  doom  obscure  and  foul. 
But  come   for  thou,  be  sure,  shalt  give  account 


BOOK  IV.]  PARADISE  LOST.  113 

To  him  who  sent  us,  whose  charge  is  to  keep 
This  place  inviolable,  and  these  from  harm. 

So  spake  the  cherub ;  and  his  grave  rebuke, 
Severe  in  youthful  beauty,  added  grace 
Invincible  :  abash'd  the  Devil  stood, 
And  felt  how  awful  goodness  is,  and  saw 
Virtue  in  her  shape  how  lovely ;  saw,  and  pin'd 
His  loss  ;  but  chiefly  to  find  here  observ'd 
His  lustre  visibly  impair'd;  yet  seem'd 
Undaunted.     If  I  must  contend,  said  he, 
Best,  with  the  best,  the  sender,  not  the  sent, 
Or  all  at  once ;  more  glory  will  be  won, 
Or  less  be  lost.     Thy  fear,  said  Zephon  bold, 
Will  save  us  trial  what  the  least  can  do 
Single  against  thee  wicked,  and  thence  weak. 

The  fiend  reply'd  not,  overcome  with  rage ; 
But  like  a  proud  steed  rein'd,  went  haughty  on, 
Champing  his  iron  curb ;  to  strive  or  fly 
He  held  it  vain  ;  awe  from  above  had  quell'd 
His  heart,  not  else  dismay'd.     Now  drew  they  nigh 
The  western  point,  where  those  half-rounding  guards 
Just  met,  and  closing  stood  in  squadron  join'd, 
Awaiting  next  command.     To  whom  their  chief, 
Gabriel,  from  the  front  thus  call'd  aloud : 

O  friends,  I  hear  the  tread  of  nimble  feet 
Hasting  this  way,  and  now  by  glimpse  discern 
Tthuriel  and  Zephon  through  the  shade. 
And  with  them  comes  a  third  of  regal  port, 
But  faded  splendour  wan  ;  who  by  his  gait 
And  fierce  demeanour  seem  the  prince  of  hell, 
Not  likely  to  part  hence  without  contest ; 
Stand  firm,  for  in  his  looks  defiance  lours. 

He  scarce  had  ended,  when  those  two  approa^hM. 
And  brief  related  whom  they  brought,  where  found. 
How  busied,  in  what  form  and  posture  couch'd. 

To  whom  with  stern  regard  thus  Gabriel  spake : 
Why  hast  thou,  Satan,  broke  the  bounds  prescrib'd 
To  thy  transgressions,  and  disturb'd  the  charge 
Of  others,  who  approve  not  to  transgress 

10* 


1M  PARADISE  LOST.  [HOOK  IV. 

By  thy  example,  but  have  pow'r  and  right 
To  question  thy  bold  entrance  on  this  place ; 
Employ'd  it  seems  to  violate  sleep,  and  those 
Whose  dwelling  God  hath  planted  here  in  bliss*? 

To  whom  thus  Satan  with  contemptuous  brow  ; 
Gabriel,  thou  hadst  in  heav'n  th'  esteem  of  wise, 
And  such  I  held  thee  ;  but  this  question  ask'd 
Puts  me  in  doubt.     Lives  there  who  loves  his  pain  * 
Who  would  not,  finding  way,  break  loose  from  hell, 
Though  thither  doom'd?    Thou  wouldst  thyself  no 

doubt, 

And  boldly  venture  to  whatever  place 
Farthest  from  pain,  where  thou  mightst  hope  to  change 
Torment  with  ease,  and  soonest  recompense 
Dole  with  delight,  which  in  this  place  I  sought ; 
To  thee  no  reason,  who  know'st  only  good, 
But  evil  hast  not  try'd;  and  wilt  object 
His  will  who  bound  us  ?  let  him  surer  bar 
His  iron  gates,  if  he  intends  our  stay 
In  that  dark  durance ;  thus  much  what  was  ask'd  . 
The  rest  is  true,  they  found  me  where  they  say  ; 
But  that  implies  not  violence  or  harm. 

Thus  he  in  scorn.     The  warlike  angel  mov'd, 
Disdainfully  half  smiling  thus  reply'd  : 
O  loss  of  one  in  heav'n  to  judge  of  wise, 
Since  Satan  fell  whom  folly  overthrew, 
And  now  returns  him  from  his  prison  'scap'd, 
Gravely  in  doubt  whether  to  hold  them  wise 
Or  not,  who  ask  what  boldness  brought  him  hithei 
Unlicens'd  from  his  bounds  in  hell  prescrib'd  ; 
So  wise  he  judges  it  to  fly  from  pain 
However,  and  to  'scape  his  punishment. 
So  judge  thou  still,  presumptuous,  till  the  wrath, 
Which  thou  incurr'st  by  flying,  meet  thy  flight 
Sev'nfold,  and  scourge  that  wisdom  back  to  hell. 
Which  taught  thee  yet  no  better,  that  no  pain 
Can  equal  anger  infinite  provok'd. 
But  wherefore  thou  alone  ?  wherefore  with  thee 
Came  not  all  hell  broke  loose?  is  pain  to  them 


BOOK  IV.]  PARADISE  LOST.  116 

Less  pain,  less  to  be  fled  ?  or  thou  than  they 
Less  hardy  to  endure  ?  courageous  chief, 
The  first  in  flight  from  pain,  hadst  thou  alledg'd 
To  thy  cfeserted  host  this  cause  of  flight, 
Thou  surely  hadst  not  came  sole  fugitive. 

To  which  the  fiend  thus  answer'd  frowning  stern : 
Not  that  I  less  endure,  or  shrink  from  pain. 
Insulting  angel :  well  thou  know'st  I  stood 
Thy  fiercest,  when  in  battle  to  thy  aid 
The  blasting  vollied  thunder  made  all  speed, 
And  seconded  by  thy  else  not  dreaded  spear. 
But  still  thy  words  at  random  as  before, 
Argue  thy  inexperience  what  behoves 
From  hard  assays  and  ill  successes  past 
A  faithful  leader,  not  to  hazard  all 
Through  ways  of  danger  by  himself  untry'd  : 
I  therefore,  I  alone  first  undertook 
To  wing  the  desolate  abyss,  and  spy 
This  new  created  world,  whereof  in  hell 
Fame  is  not  silent,  here  in  hope  to  find 
Better  abode,  and  my  afflicted  powers 
To  settle  here  on  earth,  or  in  mid  air ; 
Though  for  possession  put  to  try  once  more 
What  thou  and  thy  gay  legions  dare  against ; 
Whose  easier  business  were  to  serve  the  Lord 
High  up  in  heav'n,  with  songs  to  hymn  his  thro-ie, 
And  practis'd  distances  to  cringe,  not  fight. 

To  whom  the  warrior  angel  soon  reply'd  : 
To  say,  and  straight  unsay,  pretending  first 
Wise  to  fly  pain,  professing  next  the  spy, 
Argues  no  leader  but  a  liar  trac'd, 
Satan,  and  could'st  thou  faithful  add  ?  0  name, 
0  sacred  name  of  faithfulness  profan'd  ! 
Faithful  to  whom  ?  to  thy  rebellious  crew  ? 
Army  of  fiends,  fit  body  to  fit  head. 
Was  this  your  discipline  and  faith  engag'd, 
Your  military  obedience,  to  dissolve 
Allegiance  to  the  acknowledg'd  power  supreme  ? 
And  thou,  sly  hypocrite,  who  now  wouldst  seem 


116  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IV. 

Patron  of  liberty,  who  more  than  thou 
Once  fawn'd.  and  cring'd,  and  servilely  ador'd 
Heav'ns  awful  monarch  ?  wherefore  but  in  hope 
To  dispossess  him,  and  thyself  to  reign? 
But  mark  what  I  aread  thee  now,  A  vaunt ; 
Fly  thither  whence  thou  fledst :  if  from  this  hour 
Within  these  hallow'd  limits  thou  appear, 
Back  to  th'  infernal  pit  I  drag  thee  chain'd, 
And  seal  thee  so,  as  henceforth,  not  to  scorn 
The  facile  gates  of  hell  too  slightly  barr'd. 

So  threaten'd  he;  but  Satan  to  no  threats 
Gave  heed,  but  waxing  more  in  rage  reply'd  : 

Then  when  I  am  thy  captive  talk  of  chains. 
Proud  limitary  cherub,*1  but  ere  then 
Far  heavier  load  thyself  expect  to  feel 
From  my  prevailing  arm,  though  heav'ns  King 
Ride  on  thy  wings,  and  thou  with  thy  compeers. 
Us'd  to  the  yoke,  draw's!  his  triumphant  wheels 
In  progress  through  the  road  of  heav'n  star-pav'd. 

While  thus  he  spake,  th'  angelic  squadron  bright 
Turn'd  fiery  red,  sharp'ning  in  mooned  horns 
Their  phalanx,  and  began  to  hem  him  round 
With  ported  spears,  as  thick  as  when  a  field 
Of  Ceres  ripe  for  harvest,  waving  bends 
Her  bearded  grove  of  ears,  which  way  the  wind 
Sways  them  ;  the  careful  ploughman  doubting  stand? 
Lest  on  the  threshing-floor  his  hopeful  sheaves 
Prove  chaff.     On  th'  other  side  Satan  alarm'd 
Collecting  all  his  might  dilated  stood, 
Like  TenerifFe  or  Atlas  unrernov'd: 
His  stature  reach'd  the  sky,  and  on  his  crest 
Sat  horror  plum'd :  nor  wanted  in  his  grasp 
What  seem'd  both  spear  and  shield:   now  dr^adru. 

deeds 

Might  have  ensued,  nor  only  Paradise 
In  this  commotion,  but  the  starry  cope 


*  "Proud    limitary   clierub :''    limitary   means  «i;ardin;:   il.e 
limits. 


BOOK  IV.]  PARADISE  LOST.  117 

Of  heav'n  perhaps,  or  all  the  elements 

At  least  had  gone  to  wreck,  disturb'd  and  torn 

With  viplence  of  this  conflict,  had  not  soon 

Th'  eternal  to  prevent  such  horrid  fray 

Hung  forth  in  heav'n  his  golden  scales,  yet  seen 

Betwixt  Astrea  and  the  scorpion  sign, 

Wherein  all  things  created  first  he  weigh'd, 

The  pendulous  round  earth  with  balanc'd  air 

In  counterpoise,  now  ponders  all  events, 

Battles  and  realms  :  in  these  he  put  two  weights 

The  sequel  each  of  parting  and  of  fight ; 

The  latter  quick  up  flew,  and  kick'd  the  beam  ; 

Which  Gabriel  spying,  thus  bespake  the  fiend  : 

Satan,  I  know  thy  strength  and  thou  know'st  mine. 
Neither  our  own  but  giv'n  ;  what  folly  than 
To  boast  what  arms  can  do  ?  since  thine  no  more 
Than  heav'n  permits,  nor  mine,  though  doubled  now 
To  trample  thee  as  mire :  for  proof  look  up, 
And  read  thy  lot  in  yon  celestial   sign, 
Where  thou  art  weigh'd,  and  shown  how  light,  how 

weak, 

If  thou  resist.     The  fiend  look'd  up  and  knew 
His  mounted  scale  aloft :  nor  more  ;  but  fled 
Murm'nng,  and  with  him  fled  the  shades  of  nip.  hi. 


BN1>  OF  THE  KOUn.  l«ios. 


THE 

FIFTH   BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


MORNING  approached,  Eve  relates  to  Auam  her  troublesome 
dream  ;  he  likes  it  not,  yet  comforts  her  :  they  come  forth  to  their 
day  labours :  their  morning  hymn  at  the  door  of  their  bower. 
God  to  render  man  inexcusable  sends  Raphael  to  admonish  him 
of  his  obedience,  of  his  free  estate,  of  his  enemy  near  at  hand, 
who  he  is,  and  why  his  enemy,  and  whatever  else  may  avail 
Adam  to  know.  Raphael  comes  down  to  Paradise,  his  appear- 
ance described,  his  coining  discerned  by  Adam  afar  off,  sitting  at 
the  door  of  his  bower ;  he  goes  out,  to  meet  him,  brings  him  to  his 
lodge,  entertains  him  with  the  choicest  fruits  of  Paradise,  got  to- 
gether by  Eve ;  their  discourse  at  table  :  Raphael  performs  his 
message,  minds  Adam  of  his  state  and  of  his  enemy  ;  relates  at 
Adam's  request,  who  that  enemy  is,  and  how  he  came  to  be  so, 
beginning  from  his  first  revolt  in  Heaven,  and  the  occasion 
thereof;  now  he  drew  his  legions  after  him  to  the  parts  of  the 
north,  and  there  incited  them  to  rebel  with  him,  persuading  all 
but  only  Abdiel  a  seraph,  who  in  argument  dissuades  and  oppo- 
ses him.  then  forsakes  him. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK    V. 

No-v  morn  her  rosy  steps  in  th'  eastern  clime 
Advancing,  sow'd  the  earth  with  orient  pearl, 
When  Adam  wak'd,  so  custom'd,  for  his  sleep 
Was  airy  light  from  pure  digestion  bred, 
And  temp'rate  vapours  bland,  which  th'  only  sound 
Of  leaves  and  fuming  rills,  Aurora's  fan 
Lightly  disper'd,  and  the  shrill  matin  song 
Of  birds  on  every  bough;  so  much  the  more 
His  wonder  was  to  find  unwaken'd  Eve 
With  tresses  discompos'd,  and  glowing  cheek, 
As  through  unquiet  rest :  he  on  his  side 
Leaning  half  rais'd,  with  looks  of  cordial  love 
Hung  over  her  enamour'd,  and  beheld 
Beauty,  which,  whether  waking  or  asleep, 
Shot  forth  peculiar  graces ;  then  with  voice 
Mild,  as  when  Zephyrus  on  Flora  breathes, 
Her  hand  soft  touching,  whisper'd  thus  :     Awake 
My  fairest,  my  espous'd,  my  latest  found, 
Heav'n's  last,  best  gift,  my  ever  new  delight, 
Awake  ;  the  morning  shines,  and  the  fresh  field 
Calls  us  ;  we  lose  the  prime,  to  mark  how  spring 
Our  tended  plants,  how  blows  the  citron  grove, 
What  drops  the  myrrh,  and  what  the  balmy  r«ed, 
How  nature  paints  her  colours,  how  the  bee 
Sits  on  the  bloom,  extracting  liquid  sweet. 
11 


\2'2  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK     V 

Such  whisp'ring  wak'd  her,  but  with  startled  eye 
On  Adam,  whom  embracing,  thus  she  spake  : 

O  sole  in  whom  my  thoughts  find  all  repose, 
My  glory,  niy  perfection,  glad  I  see 
Thy  face,  and  morn  return'd;  for  I  this  night 
(Such  night  till  this  I  never  pass'd)  have  dream 'd, 
If  dream 'd,  not  as  I  oft  am  wont,  of  thee, 
Works  of  day  past,  or  morrow's  next  design, 
But  of  offence  and  trouble,  which  my  mind 
Knew  never  till  this  irksome  night :  methought, 
Close  at  mine  ear  one  call'd  me  forth  to  walk 
With  gentle  voice,  I  thought  it  thine ;  it  said, 
Why  sleep'st  thou  Eve?  now  is  the  pleasant  time, 
The  cool,  the  silent,  save  where  silence  yields 
To  the  night-warbling  bird,  that  now  awake 
Tunes  sweetest  his  love-labour'd  song ;  now  reigns 
Full  orb'd  the  moon,  and  with  more  pleasing  !i<?;ht 
Shadowy  sets  off  the  face  of  things :  in  vain. 
If  none  regard  ;  heav'n  wakes  with  all  his  eyes, 
Whom  to  behold  but  thee,  nature's  desire  ? 
In  whose  sight  all  things  joy  with  ravishment. 
Attracted  by  thy  beauty  still  to  gaze. 
I  rose  as  at  thy  call,  but  found  thee  not; 
To  find  thee  I  directed  then  my  walk ; 
And  on,  methought,  alone  I  pass'd  through  ways 
That  brought  me  on  a  sudden  to  the  tree 
Of  interdicted  knowledge  :  fair  it  seem'd, 
Much  fairer  to  my  fancy  than  by  day : 
And  as  I  wond'ring  look'd,  beside  it  stood 
One  shap'd  and  wing'd  like  one  of  those  from  heav 
By  us  oft  seen  :  his  dewy  locks  distill'd 
Ambrosia  ;  on  that  tree  he  also  gaz'd ; 
And  0  fair  plant,  said  he,  with  fruit  surcharc  it, 
Deigns  none  to  ease  thy  load  and  taste  thy  sweet 
Nor  God,  nor  man  ?  is  knowledge  so  despis'd  i 
Or  envy,  or  what  reserve  forbids  to  taste  ? 
Forbid  who  will,  none  shall  from  me  withhold 
Longer  thy  offer'd  good,  why  else  set  here  ? 
This  said,  he  paus'd  not,  but  with  vent'rous  arm 


BOO  1C   V.J  PARADISE  LOST.  123 

He  pluck'd,  he  tasted ;  me  damp  horror  chill'd 

At  such  bold  words  vouch'd  with  a  deed  so  bold  : 

But  he  thus  overjoy'd,  0  fruit  divine, 

Sweet  of  thyself,  but  much  more  sweet  thus  crept. 

Forbidden  here,  it  seems,  as  only  fit 

For  gods,  yet  able  to  make  gods  of  men  ! 

And  why  not  gods  of  men,  since  good  the  more 

Communicated,  more  abundant  grows, 

The  author  not  impair'd,  but  honour'd  more  ? 

Here,  happy  creature,  fair  angelic  Eve, 

Partake  thou  also  ;  happy  though  thou  art, 

Happier  thou  may'st  be,  worthier  canst  not  be ; 

Taste  this,  and  be  henceforth  among  the  gods 

Thyself  a  goddess,  not  to  earth  confin'd, 

But  sometimes  in  the  air,  as  we,  sometimes 

Ascend  to  heav'n,  by  merit  thine,  and  see 

What  life  the  gods  live  there,  and  such  live  thou. 

So  saying,  he  drew  nigh,  and  to  me  held, 

Ev'n  to  my  mouth  of  that  same  fruit  held  part 

Which  he  had  pluck'd;  the  pleasant  savoury  smel 

So  quicken'd  appetite,  that  I,  methought, 

Could  not  but  taste.     Forthwith  up  to  the  clouds 

With  him  I  flew,  and  underneath  beheld 

The  earth  outstretch'd  immense,  a  prospect  wide 

And  various  :  wond'ring  at  my  flight  and  change 

To  this  high  exaltation ;  suddenly 

My  guide  was  gone,  and  I,  methought,  sunk  down. 

And  fell  asleep ;  but  O  how  glad  I  wak'd 

To  find  this  but  a  dream!  Thus  Eve  her  night 

Related,  and  thus  Adam  answer'd  sad  : 

Best  image  of  myself,  and  dearer  hall 
The  trouble  of  thy  thoughts  this  night  in  sleep 
Affects  me  equally  ;  nor  can  I  like 
This  uncouth  dream,  of  evil  sprung  I  fear ; 
Yet  evil  whence  ?  in  thee  can  harbour  none, 
Created  pure.     But  know,  that  in  the  soul 
Are  many  lesser  faculties,  that  serve 
Reason  as  chief:  among  these  fancy  next 
Her  office  holds  :  of  all  external  thing, 


124  PA  K  A  ins  E  LOST.  BOOK  v. 

Which  the  five  watchful  senses  represent, 
She  lonns  imaginations,  airy  shapes, 
Which  reason  joining,  or  disjoining,  frames 
All  what  we  affirm  or  what  deny,  and  call 
Our  knowledge  or  opinion  ;  then  retires 
into  her  private  cell  when  nature  rests. 
Oft  in  her  absence  mimic  fancy  wakes 
To  imitate  her ;  but  misjoining  shapes, 
Wild  work  produces  oft,  and  most  in  dreams, 
III  matching  words  and  deeds  long  past  or  late 
Some  such  resemblances  methinks  I  find 
Of  our  last  evening's  talk,  in  this  thy  dream, 
But  with  addition  strange ;  yet  be  not  sad. 
Evil  in  the  mind  of  God  or  man 
May  come  and  go,  so  unapprov'd  and  leave 
No  spot  or  blame  behind :  which  gives  me  hope 
That  what  in  sleep  thou  didst  abhor  to  dream, 
Waking  thou  never  wilt  consent  to  do. 
Be  not  dishearten'd  then,  nor  cloud  those  looks 
That  wont  to  be  more  cheerful  and  serene, 
Than  when  fair  morning  first  smiles  on  the  world 
And  let  us  to  our  fresh  employments  rise 
Among  the  groves,  the  fountains,  and  the  flowers 
That  open  now  their  choicest  bosom 'd  smells, 
Reserv'd  from  night,  and  kept  for  thee  in  store. 

So  cheer  d  he  his  fair  spouse,  and  she  was  cheer'  J 
But  silently  a  gentle  tear  let  fail 
From  either  eye,  and  wip'd  them  with  her  hair ; 
Two  other  precious  drops  ihsit  ready  stood, 
Each  in  their  crystal  sluice,  he  ere  they  fell 
Kiss'd,  as  the  gracious  signs  of  sweet  remorso 
And  pious  awe,  that  fear'd  to  have  offended. 

So  all  was  clear'd,  and  to  the  field  they  haste. 
But  first,  from  under  shady  arb'rous  roof 
Soon  as  they  forth  were  come  to  open  sight 
Of  day-spring,  and  the  sun,  who  scarce  uprisen, 
With  wheels  yet  hovering  o'er  the  ocean  brim, 
Shot  parallel  to  the  earth  his  dewy  ray, 
Discovering  in  wide  landrca-pe  all  the  east 


BOOK  V.J  PARADISE  LOST.  12-5 

Of  Paradise  and  Edeq's  happy  plains, 

Lowly  they  bow'd  adoring,  and  began 

Their  orisons,  each  morning  duly  paid 

In  various  style ;  for  neither  various  style 

Nor  holy  rapture  wanted  they  to  praise 

Their  Maker,  in  fit  strains  pronounc'd  or  sung 

Unmeditated,  such  prompt  eloquence 

Flow'd  from  their  lips,  in  prose  or  numerous  verse, 

More  tuneable  than  needed  lute  or  harp 

To  add  more  sweetness  ;  and  they  thus  began. 

These  are  thy  glorious  works,  Parent  of  good, 
Almighty,  thine  this  universal  frame. 
Thus  wondrous  fair ;  thyself  how  wondrous  then ! 
Unspeakable,  who  sit'st  above  these  heavens, 
On  us  invisible,  or  dimly  seen 
In  these  thy  lowest  works  ;  yet  these  declare 
Thy  goodness  beyond  thought,  and  pow'r  divine. 
Speak  ye  who  best  can  tell,  ye  sons  of  light, 
Angels  ;  for  ye  behold  him,  and  with  songs 
And  choral  symphonies,  day  without  night, 
Circle  his  throne  rejoicing;  ye  in  heaven, 
On  earth  join  all  ye  creatures  to  extol 
Him  first,  him  last,  him  midst,  and  without  end. 
Fairest  of  stars,  last  in  the  train  of  nighi, 
If  better  thou  belong  not  to  the  dawn, 
Sure  pledge  of  day,  that  crown'st  the  smiling  morn 
With  thy  bright  circlet,  praise  him  in  thy  sphere, 
While  day  arises,  that  sweet  hour  of  prime. 
Thou  Sun,  of  this  great  world  both  eye  and  son!, 
Acknowledge  him  thy  greater,  sound  his  praise 
In  thy  eternal  course,  both  when  thou  climb'st, 
And  when  high  noon  hast  gain'd,   and   when  thou 

fall'st. 

Moon,  that  now  meet'st  the  orient  sun.  now  fly'st, 
With  the  fix'd  stars,  fix'd  in  their  orb  that  flies, 
And  ye  five  other  wand'ring  fires  that  move 
In  mystic  dance  not  without  song,  resound 
His  praise,  who  out  of  darkness  call'd  up  light. 
Air,  and  ye  elements,  the  eldest  birth 
II* 


i^'i  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  V. 

Of  Nature's  womb,  that  in  quaternion  run 

Perpetual  circle,  multiform  ;  and  mix 

And  nourish  all  things  ;  let  your  ceaseless  change 

Vary  to  our  great  Maker  still  new  praise. 

Ye  mists  and  exhalations  that  now  rise 

From  hill  or  steaming  lake,  dusky  or  grey, 

Till  the  sun  paint  your  fleecy  skirts  with  gold, 

In  honour  to  the  world's  great  Author  rise, 

Whether  to  deck  with  clouds  th'  uncoiour'd  sky, 

Or  wet  the  thirsty  earth  with  falling  showers, 

Rising  or  falling  still  advance  his  praise. 

His  praise,  ye  winds,  that  from  four  quarters  blow, 

Breathe  soft  or  loud;  and  wave  your  tops,  ye  pines ; 

With  every  plant,  in  sign  of  worship  wave. 

Fountains,  and  ye  that  warble,  as  ye  flow, 

Melodious  murmurs,  warbling  tune  his  praise. 

Join  voices,  all  ye  living  souls  ;  ye  birds, 

That  singing  up  to  heaven  gate  ascend, 

Bear  on  your  wings  and  in  your  notes  his  praise. 

Ye  that  in  waters  glide,  and  ye  that  walk 

The  earth,  and  stately  tread,  or  lowly  creep ; 

Witness  if  I  be  silent,  morn  or  even, 

To  hill,  or  valley,  fountain,  or  fresh  shade 

Made  vocal  by  my  song,  and  taught  his  praise. 

Hail  universal  Lord,  be  bounteous  still 

To  give  us  only  good;  and  if  the  night 

Have  gather'd  ought  of  evil,  or  conceal'd, 

Disperse  it,  as  now  light  dispels  the  dark. 

So  pray'd  they  innocent,  and  to  their  thoughts 
Firm  peace  recover'd  soon,  and  wonted  calm. 
On  to  their  morning's  rural  work  they  haste 
Among  sweet  dews  and  flow'rs  ;  where  any  row 
Of  fruit-trees  over-woody  reach 'd  too  far 
Their  pamper'd  boughs,  and  needed  hands  to  check 
Fruitless  embraces  :  or  they  led  the  vine 
To  wed  her  elm;  she  'spous'd  about  him  twines 
Her  marriageable  arms,  and  with  her  brings 
Her  dow'r  th'  adopted  clusters,  to  adorn 
His  barren  !<-<\ves.     Them  thus  employ'd  beheld 


BOOK   V.J  PARADISE  LOST.  1527 

With  pity  heav  n's  high  King,  and  to  him  call'd 

Raphael,  the  sociable  spirit,  that  deign'd 

To  travel  with  Tobias,  and  secur'd 

His  marriage  with  the  sev'ntimes-wedded  maid. 

Raphael,  said  he,  thou  hear'st  what  stir  on  earth 
Satan  from  hell  'scap'd  through  the  darksome  guif 
Hath  rais'd  in  Paradise,  and  how  disturb'd 
This  night  the  human  pair,  how  he  designs 
In  them  at  once  to  ruin  all  mankind. 
Go  therefore,  half  this  day,  as  friend  with  friend. 
Converse  with  Adam,  in  what  bow'r  or  shade 
Thou  find'st  him  from  the  heat  of  noon  retir'd 
To  respite  his  day-labour  with  repast, 
Or  with  repose  ;  and  such  discourse  bring  on. 
As  may  advise  him  of  his  happy  state, 
Happiness  in  his  pow'r  left  free  to  will, 
Left  to  his  own  free  will,  his  will  though  free, 
Yet  mutable;  whence  warn  him  to  beAvare 
He  swerve  not  too  secure  :  tell  him  withal 
His  danger,  and  from  whom  ;  what  enemy, 
Late  fall'n  himself  from  heav'n,  is  plotting  now 
The  fall  of  others  from  like  stale  of  bliss  ; 
By  violence  ?  no,  for  that  shall  be  withstood  , 
But  by  deceit  and  lies ;  this  let  him  know, 
Lest  wilfully  transgressing  he  pretend 
Surprisal,  unadmonish'd,  unforewarn'd. 

So  spake  th'  eternal  Father,  and  fulfill'd 
All  justice ;  nor  delay'd  the  winged  saint 
After  his  charge  receiv'd ;  but  from  among 
Thousand  celestial  ardours,  where  he  stood 
Veil'd  with  his  gorgeous  wings,  up  springing  light 
Flew  through  the  midst  of  heav'n;  th' angelic choir.?, 
On  each  hand  parting,  to  his  speed  gave  way 
Through  all  th'  empyreal  road;  till  at  the  gate 
Of  heav'n  arriv'd,  the  gate  self-open'd  wide 
On  golden  hinges  turning,  as  by  work 
Divine  the  sov'reign  architect  had  fram'd. 
From  hence,  no  cloud,  or,  to  obstruct  his  sight, 
Star  interposal,  however  small  he  sees, 


I2S  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   V. 

Not  unconform  to  other  shining  globes, 
Earth  and  the  gard'n  of  God,  with  cedars  crown'd 
Above  all  hills.     As  when  by  night  the  glass 
Of  Galileo,  less  assur'd,  observes 
[magin'd  lands  and  regions  in  the  moon  ; 
Or  pilot,  from  amidst  the  Cyclades, 
Delos  or  Samos  first  appearing,  kens 
A  cloudy  spot.     Down  thither,  prone  in  flight 
He  speeds,  and  through  the  vast  ethereal  sky 
Sail'd  between  worlds  and  worlds,  with  steady  wing 
Now  on  the  polar  winds,  then  with  quick  fan 
Winnows  the  buxom  air  ;  till  within  soar 
Of  tow'ring  eagles,  to  all  the  fowls  he  seems 
A  phoenix,  ga/'d  by  -all,  as  that  sole  bird, 
When  to  enshrine  his  reliques  in  the  sun's 
Bright  temple,  to  Egyptian  Thebes  he  flies. 
At  once  on  th'  eastern  cliff  of  Paradise 
He  lights,  and  to  his  proper  shape  returns 
A  seraph  wing'd;  six  wings  he  wore,  to  shade 
His  lineaments  divine  ;  the  pair  that  clad 
Each  shoulder  broad,  came  mantling  o'er  his  breast 
With  regal  ornament ;   the  middle  pair 
Girt  like  a  starry  zone  his  waist,  and  round 
Skirted  his  loins  and  thighs  with  downy  gold 
And  colours  dipt  in  heav'n  ;  the  third  his  feet 
Shadow'd  from  either  heel  with  feather'd  mail, 
Sky-tinclur'd  grain.     Like  Maia's  son  he  stood, 
And  shook  his  plumes,  that  heav'nly  fragrance  fill'd 
The  circuit  wide.     Straight  knew  him  all  the  bands 
Of  angels  under  watch ;  and  to  his  state, 
And  to  his  message  high  in  honour  rise  ; 
For  on  some  message  high  they  guess'd  him  bound: 
Their  glittering  tents  he  pass'd,  and  now  is  come 
nto  the  blissful  field,  through  groves  of  myrrh, 
And  flow'ring  odours,  cassia,  nard,  and  balm ; 
A  wilderness  of  sweets  :  for  nature  here 
Wanton'd  as  in  her  prime,  and  play'd  at  will 
Her  virgin  fancies,  pouring  forth  more  sweet, 
Wild  above  rule  or  art;  enormous  bliss. 


BOOK  V.]  PARADISE  LOST.  1?9 

Him  through  the  spicy  forest  onward  come, 

Adam  discern'd,  as  in  the  door  he  sat 

Of  his  cool  bow'r,  while  now  the  mounted  sun 

Shot  down  direct  his  fervid  rays  to  warm 

Earth's    inmost   womb,   more    warmth   than   Adma 

needs  : 

And  Eve  within,  due  at  her  hour  prepar'd 
For  dinner  savoury  fruits,  of  taste  to  please 
True  appetite,  and  not  disrelish  thirst 
Of  nect'rous  draughts  between,  from  milky  stream, 
Berry  or  grape  :  to  whom  thus  Adam  call'd : 

Haste  hither  Eve,  and  worth  thy  sight  behold 
Eastward  among  those  trees,  what  glorious  shape 
Comes  this  way  moving  ;  seems  another  morn 
Ris'n  on  mid-noon ;  some  great  behest  from  heav'n 
To  us  perhaps  he  brings,  and  will  vouchsafe 
This  day  to  be  our  guest.     But  go  with  speed, 
And  what  thy  stores  contain,  bring  forth,  and  pour 
Abundance,  fit  to  honour  and  receive 
Our  heav'nly  stranger :  well  we  may  afford 
Our  givers  their  own  gifts,  and  large  bestow 
From  large  bestcw'd,  where  nature  multiplies 
Her  fertile  growth,  and  by  disburd'ning  grows 
More  fruitful,  which  instructs  us  not  to  spare. 

To  whom  thus  Eve:  Adam,  earth's  hallow'd mould 
Of  God  inspir'd,  small  store  will  serve,  where  store. 
All  seasons  ripe  for  use,  hangs  on  the  stalk; 
Save  what  by  frugal  storing  firmness  gains 
To  nourish,  and  superfluous  moist  consumes : 
But  I  will  haste,  and  from  each  bough  and  brake, 
Each  plant  and  juiciest  gourd,  will  pluck  such  choice 
To  entertain  our  angel  guest,  as  he 
Beholding  shall  confess,  that  here  on  earth 
God  hath  dispens'd  his  bounties  as  in  heav'n 
Sc  saying,  with  dispatchful  looks  in  haste 
She  turns,  on  hospitable  thoughts  intent 
What  choice  to  choose  for  delicacy  best, 
What  order,  so  contriv'd  as  not  to  mix 


J30  FARADlSfc   lA'ST-  BOOK  V 


Tastes,  not  well  jom'd  inelegant,  but  bring 
Taste  after  taste  upheld  with  kindliest  change  ; 
Bestirs  her  then,  and  from  each  tender  stalk- 
Whatever  earth  all-bearing  mother  yields 
In  India  East  or  West,  or  middle  shore 
In  Pontus  or  the  Punic  coast,  or  where 
Alcinous  reign'd  fruit  of  all  kinds,  in  coat 
Rough  or  smooth  rin'd,  or  bearded  husk,  or  sht'll. 
She  gathers  tribute  large,  and  on  the  board 
Heaps  with  unsparing  hand  ;  for  drink  the  grape 
She  crushes,  inoffensive  must,  and  meaths 
From  many  a  berry,  and  from  sweet  kernels  press  'd 
She  tempers  dulcet  creams,  nor  these  to  hold 
Wants  her  fit  vessels  pure,  then  strows  the  ground 
With  rose  and  odours  from  the  shrub  unfum'd. 

Meanwhile  our  primitive  great  sire,  to  meet 
His  godlike-guest,  walks  forth,  without  more  train 
Accompanied  than  with  his  own  complete 
Perfections  ;  in  himself  was  all  his  state, 
More  solemn  than  the  tedious  pomp  that  waits 
On  princes,  when  the  rich  retinue  long 
Of  horses  led,  and  grooms  besmear  'd  with  gold, 
Dazzles  the  crowd,  and  sets  them  all  agape. 
Nearer  his  presence  Adam  though  not  aw'd, 
Yet  with  submiss  approach  and  reverence  meet, 
As  to  a  superior  nature,  bowing  low, 
Thus  said  :  Native  of  heav'n.  for  other  place 
None  can  than  heav'n  such  glorious  shape  contain; 
Since  by  descending  from  the  thrones  above, 
Those  happy  places  thou  hast  deign'd  awhile 
To  want,  and  honour  these,  vouchsafe  with  us 
Two  only,  who  yet  by  sov'reign  gift  possess 
This  spacious  ground,  in  yonder  shady  bower 
To  rest,  and  what  the  garden  choicest  bears 
To  sit  and  taste,  till  this  meridian  heat 
Be  over,  and  the  sun  more  cool  decline. 

Whom  thus  th'  angelic  virtue  answer'd  mi)d  : 
Adam  I  therefore  came,  nor  art  thou  such 
Created,  or  such  place  hast  here  to  dwell, 


BOOK  v.|  PARADISK  i-osr.  131 

As  may  not  oft  invite,  though  spirits  of  heav'n 
To  visit  thee  ;  lead  on  then  where  thy  bower 
O'ershades ;  for  these  mid-hours,  till  evening  rise. 
I  have  at  will.     So  to  the  sylvan  lodge 
They  came,  that  like  Pomona's  arbour  smil'd 
With  flow'rets  deck'd,  and  fragrant  smells  ;  but  Evt 
Undeck'd  save  with  herself,  more  lovely  fair 
Than  wood-nymph,  or  the  fairest  goddess  feign'd 
Of  three  that  in  mount  Ida  naked  strove, 
Stood  to  entertain  her  guest  from  heav'n  ;  no  veil 
She  needed,  virtue-proof;  no  thought  infirm 
Alter'd  her  cheek.     On  whom  the  angel,  Hail, 
Bestow'd,  the  holy  salutation  us'd 
Long  after  to  the  blest  Mary,  second  Eve. 

rla.l  mother  of  mankind,  whose  fruitful  womb 
Shall  iill  the  world  more  numerous  with  thy  sons, 
Than  with  these  various  fruits  the  trees  of  God 
Have  heap'd  this  table.     Rais'd  of  grassy  turf 
Their  table  was,  and  mossy  seats  had  round, 
And  on  her  ample  square  from  side  to  side 
All  autumn  pil'd,  though  spring  and  autumn  here 
Danc'd  hand  in  hand.     Awhile  discourse  they  hel<  v 
No  fear  lest  dinner  cool ;  when  thus  began 
Our  author:  Heav'nly  stranger,  please  to  taste 
These  bounties,  which  our  Nourisher,  from  whom 
All  perfect  good,  unmeasur'd  out,  descends, 
To  us  for  food  and  for  delight  hath  caus'd 
The  earth  to  yield ;  unsavoury  food  perhaps 
To  spiritual  natures  ;  only  this  I  know, 
That  one  celestial  Father  gives' to  all. 
To  whom  the  Angel :  Therefore  what  he  gi  res 
(Whose  praise  be  ever  sung)  to  man  in  part 
Spiritual,  may  of  purest  spirits  be  found 
No  ingrateful  food ;  and  food  alike  those  pure 
Intelligential  substances  require, 
As  doth  your  rational ;  and  both  contain 
Within  them  every  lower  faculty 
Of  sense  whereby  they  hear,  see,  sinrll,  touch,  taste. 
Tasting  concoct,  digest,  assimilate, 


I3ii  I'ARAIMSE   LOST.  [BOOK     V 

And  corporeal,  to  incorporeal  turn. 

For  know,  whatever  was  created,  needs 

To  be  sustain 'd  and  fed  ;  of  element 

The  grosser  feeds  the  purer,  earth  the  sea, 

Earth  and  the  sea  feed  air,  the  air  those  fires 

Ethereal,  and  as  lowest  first  the  moon  ; 

Whence  in  her  visage  round  those  spots,  unpurg'd 

Vapours  not  yet  into  her  substance  turn'd. 

Nor  doth  the  moon  no-  nourishment  exhale 

From  her  moist  continent  to  higher  orbs. 

The  sun  that  light  imparts  to  all,  receives 

From  all  his  alimental  recompense 

In  humid  exhalations,  and  at  even 

Sups  with  the  ocean.     Though  in  heav'n  the  trees 

Of  life,  ambrosial  fruitage  bear,  and  vines 

Yield  nectar,  though  from  off  the  boughs  each  rmirn 

We  brush  mellifluous  dews,  and  find  the  ground 

Cover'd  with  pearly  grain  :  yet  God  hath  here 

Varied  his  bounty  so  with  new  delights, 

As  may  compare  with  heav'n  ;  and  to  taste 

Think  not  I  shall  be  nice.     So  down  they  sat. 

And  to  their  viands  fell;  nor  seemingly 

The  angel,  nor  in  mi?t,  the  common  gloss 

Of  theologians  ;  but  with  keen  despatch 

Of  rerd  hunger,  and  concoctive  heat 

To  transubstantiate:  what  redounds,  transpires 

Through  spirits  with  ease-  nor  wonder;  if  by  fire 

Of  sooty  coal  th'  empiric  alchemist 

Can  turn,  or  holds  it  possible  t.->  turn, 

Metals  of  drossiest  ore  to  perfect  ,rold, 

As  from  the  mine.     Meanwhile  at  table  Eve 

Minister'd  naked,  and  their  flowing  cups 

With  pleasant  liquors  crown'd  :  O  innocence 

Deserving  Paradise  !  if  ever,  then, 

Then  had  the  sons  of  God  excuse  to  have  been 

Enamour'd  at  that  sight ;  but  in  those  hearts 

Love  unlibidinous  reign'd,  nor  jealousy 

Was  understood,  the  injur'd  lover's  hell. 

Thus  when  with  meate  and  drinks  they  had  si.ttu  'd, 


BOOK  V.J  PARADISE  LOST.  133 

Not  burden'd  nature,  sudden  mind  arose 
In  Adam,  not  to  let  th'  occasion  pass 
Given  him  by  this  great  conference  to  know 
Of  things  above  his  world,  and  of  their  being 
Who  dwell  in  heav'n,  whose  excellence  he  saw 
Transcend  his  own  so  far,  whose  radiant  forms 
Divine  effulgence,  whose  high  pow'r  so  far 
Exceeded  human,  and  his  wary  speech 
Thus  to  th'  empyreal  minister  he  fram'd: 

Inhabitant  with  God,  now  know  I  well 
Thy  favour,  in  this  honour  done  to  man. 
Under  whose  lowly  roof  thou  hast  vouchsaf'd 
To  enter,  and  these  earthly  fruits  to  taste, 
Food  not  of  angels,  yet  accepted  so, 
As  that  more  willingly  thou  couldst  not  seem 
At  heav'n's  high  feast  t'  have  fed:  yet  what  compare  ' 

To  whom  the  winged  hierarch  reply'd : 
O  Adam,  one  Almighty  is,  from  whom 
All  things  proceed,  and  up  to  him  return, 
If  not  deprav'd  from  good,  created  all 
Such  to  perfection,  one  first  matter  all, 
Endued  with  various  forms,  various  degrees 
Of  subtance,  and  in  things  that  live,  of  life ; 
But  more  refin'd,  more  spiritous,  and  pure, 
As  nearer  to  him  plac'd  or  nearer  tending 
Each  in  their  several  active  spheres  asign'd, 
Till  body  up  to  spirit  work,  in  bounds 
Proportion'd  to  each  kind.     So  from  the  root 
Springs  lighter   the   green   stalk,   from   thence   the 

leaves 

More  airy,  last  the  bright  consummate  flower 
Spirit  odorous  trratb.es  :  flow'rs  and  their  fruit, 
Man's  nourishment,  by  gradual  scale  sublim'd, 
To  vital  spirits  aspire,  to  animal, 
To  intellectual ;  give  both  life  and  sense, 
Fancy  and  understanding ;  whence  the  soul 
Reason  receives,  and  reason  is  her  being, 
Discursive,  or  intuitive  ;  discourse 
Is  oftest  yours,  the  latter  most  is  ours 
12 


(34  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  V 

Differing;  but  in  degree,  of  kind  the  same. 

Wondsr  not  then,  what  God  for  you  saw  good 

If  I  refuse  not,  but  convert,  as  you 

To  proper  substance ;  time  may  come,  when  mon 

With  angels  may  participate  and  find 

No  inconvenient  diet,  nor  too  light  fare ; 

And  from  these  corporeal  nutriments  perhaps 

Your  bodies  may  at  last  turn  all  to  spirit, 

Improv'd  by  tract  of  time,  and  wing'd  ascend 

Ethereal,  as  we,  or  may  at  choice 

Here,  or  in  heav'nly  Paradise  dwell ; 

If  ye  be  found  obedient,  arid  retain 

Unalterably  firm  his  love  entire, 

Whose  progeny  you  are.     Meanwhile  enjoy 

Your  fill  what  happiness  this  happy  state 

Can  comprehend,  incapable  of  more. 

To  whom  the  patriarch  of  mankind  reply'd  • 
O  favourable  spirit,  propitious  guest, 
Well  hast  thou  taught  the  way  that  might  direct 
Our  knowledge,  and  the  scale  of  nature  set 
From  centre  to  circumference,  whereon 
In  contemplation  of  created  things 
By  steps  we  may  ascend  to  God.     But  say, 
What  meant  that  caution  join'd,  If  ye  be  found 
Obedient  ?  can  we  want  obedience  then 
To  him,  or  possibly  his  love  desert, 
Who  form'd  us  from  the  dust,  and  plac'd  us  here 
Full  to  the  utmost  measure  of  what  bliss 
Human  desires  can  seek  or  apprehend  ? 

To  whom  the  angel :  Son  of  heav'n  and  earth. 
Attend :  that  thou  art  happy,  owe  to  God ; 
That  thou  continues!  such,  owe  to  thyself. 
That  is  to  thy  obedience  ;  therein  stand. 
This  was  that  caution  given  thee ;  be  advised. 
God  made  thee  perfect  not  immutable  ; 
And  good  he  made  thee,  but  to  persevere 
He  left  it  in  thy  pow'r ;  ordain'd  thy  will 
By  nature  free,  not  over-rul'd  by  fate 
ft)  -"xtricable,  or  strict  necessity  : 


BC0K  V.]  PARADISE  LOST.  135 

Our  voluntary  service  he  requires, 
Not  qur  necessitated  ;  such  with  him 
Finds  no  acceptance,  nor  can  find  ;  for  how 
Can  hearts,  not  free,  be  try'd  whether  they  serve 
Willing-  or  no,  who  will  but  what  they  must 
By  destiny,  and  can  no  other  choose  ? 
Myself  and  all  th'  angelic  host,  that  stand 
In  sight  of  God  enthron'd,  our  happy  state 
Hold  as  you  yours,  while  our  obedience  holds  : 
On  other  surety  none  ;  freely  we  serve, 
Because  we  freely  love,  as  in  our  will 
To  love  or  not ;  in  this  we  stand  or  fall ; 
And  some  are  fall'n,  to  disobedience  fall'n, 
And  so  from  heav'n  to  deepest  hell :  O  fall 
From  what  high  state  of  bliss  into  what  wo  ! 

To  whom  our  great  progenitor :  Thy  words 
Attentive,  and  with  more  delighted  ear, 
Divine  instructor,  I  have  heard,  than  when 
Cherubic  songs  by  night  from  neighb'ring  hill 
Aereal  music  send ;  nor  know  I  not 
To  be  both  will  and  deed  created  free  ; 
Yet  that  we  never  shall  forget  to  love 
Our  Maker,  and  obey  him  whose  command 
Single  is  yet  so  just,  my  constant  thoughts 
Assur'd  me,  and  still  assure  :  though  what  thou  teli'st 
Hath  pass'd  in  heav'n,  some  doubt  within  me  move. 
But  more  desire  to  hear,  if  thou  consent, 
The  full  relation,  which  must  needs  be  strange, 
Worthy  of  sacred  silence  to  be  heard  ; 
And  we  have  yet  large  day,  for  scarce  the  sun 
Hath  finish'd  half  his  journey,  and  scarce  begins 
His  other  half  in  the  great  zone  of  heav'n. 

Thus  Adam  made  request ;  and  Eaphael 
'After  short  pause  assenting,  thus  began : 

High  matter  thou  enjoin'st  me,  0  prime  of  men, 
Sad  task  and  hard ;  for  how  shall  I  relate 
To  human  sense  th'  invisible  exploits 
Of  warring  spirits  ?  how  without  remorse 
The  ruin  of  so  many  glorious  once, 


136  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  V 

And  perfect  while  they  stood  ?  how  last  unfold 

The  secrets  of  another  world,  perhaps 

Not  lawful  to  reveal  ?  yet  for  thy  good 

This  is  dispens'd :  and  what  surmounts  the  reach 

Of  human  sense,  I  shall  delineate  so, 

By  likening  spiritual  to  corporeal  forms, 

As  may  express  them  best ;  though  what  if  earth 

Be  but  the  shadow  of  heav'n,  and  things  therein 

Each  to  other  like,  more  than  on  earth  is  thought  ? 

As  yet  this  world  was  not,  and  Chaos  wild 
Reign'd  wh^re  these  heav'ns,  now  roll,  where  earth 

now  rests 

Upon  her  centre  pois'd  ;  when  on  a  day 
(For  time,  though  in  eternity,  apply'd 
To  motion,  measures  all  things  durable 
By  present,  past,  and  future,)  on  such  day 
As  heav'n's  great  year  brings  forth,  th'  empyreal  host 
Of  angels  by  imperial  summons  call'd 
nnumerable  before  th'  Almighty's  throne 
Forthwith  from  all  the  ends  of  heav'n  appoar'd 
Under  their  hierarchies  in  orders  bright : 
Ten  thousand  thousand  ensigns  high  advane'd, 
Standards  and  gonfalons  'twixt  van  and  rear 
Stream  in  the  air,  and  for  distinction  serve 
Of  hierarchies,  of  orders,  and  degrees  ; 
Or  in  their  glittering  tissues  bear  emblaz'd 
Holy  memorials,  acts  of  zeal  and  love 
Recorded  eminent.     Thus  when  in  orbs 
Of  circuit  inexpressible  they  stood, 
Orb  within  orb,  the  Father  infinite, 
By  whom  in  bliss  imbosom'd  sat  the  Son, 
Amidst  as  from  a  flaming  mount,  whose  top 
Brightness  had  made  invisible,  thus  spake : 

Hear  all  ye  angels,  progeny  of  light, 
Thrones,  dominations,  princedoms,  virtues,  powers 
Hear  my  decree,  which  unrevok'd  shall  slam!. 
This  day  I  have  begot  whom  I  declare 
My  only  Son,  and  on  this  holy  hill 
Him  have  anointed,  whom  ye  now  behold 


V.J  I'ARADISE  LOST.  137 

At  my  right  hand :  your  head  I  him  appoint ; 
And  by  myself  have  sworn  to  him  shall  bow 
All  knees  in  heav'n,  and  shall  confess  him  Lord  : 
Under  his  great  vicegerent  reign  abide 
United  as  one  individual  s>oul 
For  ever  happy ;  him  who  disobeys, 
Me  disobeys,  breaks  union,  and  that  day 
Cast  out  from  God,  and  blessed  vision,  falls 
Into  utter  darkness,  deep  ingulf 'd,  his  place 
Ordain'd  without  redemption,  without  end. 

So  spake  th'  Omnipotent,  and  with  his  words 
All  seem'd  well  pleas'd:  all  seem'd,  but  were  not  all. 
That  day,  as  other  solemn  days,  they  spent 
In  song  and  dance  about  the  sacred  hill; 
Mystical  dance,  which  yonder  starry  sphere 
Of  planets  and  of  fix'd  in  all  her  wheels 
Resembles  nearest,  mazes  intricate, 
Eccentric,  intervolv'd,  yet  regular 
Then  most,  when  most  irregular  they  seem ; 
And  in  their  motions  harmony  divine 
So  smooths  her  charming  tones,  that  God's  own  ear 
Listens  delighted.     Evening  now  approach'd 
(For  we  have  also  our  evening  and  our  morn, 
We  ours  for  change  delectable,  not  need,) 
Forthwith  from  dance  to  sweet  repast  they  turn 
Desirous ;  all  in  circles  as  they  stood, 
Tables  are  set,  and  on  a  sudden  pil'd 
With  angels'  food,  and  rubied  nectar  flows 
In  pearl,  in  diamond,  and  massy  gold, 
Fruit  of  delicious  vines,  the  growth  of  heav'n. 
On  flow'rs  repos'd,  and  with  fresh  flow'rets  crown 'd, 
They  eat,  they  drink,  and  in  communion  sweet 
Quaff  immortality  and  joy,  secure 
Of  surfeit  where  full  measure  only  bounds 
Excess,  before  th'  all-bounteous  King,  who  show'r'd 
With  copious  hand,  rejoicing  in  their  joy. 
Now  when  ambrosial  night  with  clouds  exhal'd 
From  that  high  mount  of  God,  whence  light  and  shade 
Spring  both,  the  face  of  brigktest  heav'n  had  chanjr'd 
12* 


JJJS  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   V. 

The  grateful  twilight  (for  night  comes  not  there 

In  darker  veil,)  and  roseate  dews  dispos'd 

All  but  th'  unsleeping  eyes  of  God  to  rest ; 

Wide  over  the  plain,  and  wider  far 

Than  all  this  globous  earth  in  plain  outspread 

(Such  are  the  courts  of  God,)  th'  angelic  throng, 

Dispers'd  in  bands  and  files,  their  camp  extend 

By  living  streams  among  the  trees  of  life, 

Pavilions  numberless,  and  sudden  rear'd 

Celestial  tabernacles,  where  they  slept 

Fann'd  with  cool  winds  ;  save  those  who  in  their  course 

'Melodious  hymn  about  the  sov'reign  throne 

Alternate,  all  night  long:  but  not  so  wak'd 

Satan  :  so  call  him  now,  his  former  name 

Is  heard  no  more  in  heav'n ;  he  of  the  first, 

If  not  the  first  arch-angel,  great  in  pow'r, 

In  favour  and  pre-eminence,  yet  fraught 

With  envy  against  the  Son  of  God,  that  day 

Honour'd  by  his  great  Father,  and  proclairn'd 

Messiah  King  anointed,  could  not  bear 

Through  pride  that  sight,  and  thought  himself  impair'd. 

Deep  malice  thence  conceiving,  and  disdain  ; 

Soon  as  midnight  brought  on  the  dusky  hour 

Friendliest  to  sleep  and  silence,  he  resolv'd 

With  all  his  legions  to  dislodge,  and  leave 

Unworship'd  unobey'd  the  throne  supreme 

Contemptuous,  and  his  next  subordinate 

Awak'ning,  thus  to  him  in  secret  spake  : 

Sleep'st  thou,  companion  dear,  what  sleep  can  close 
Thy  eye-lids  ?  and  rememb'rest  what  decree 
Of  yesterday,  so  late  hath  pass'd  the  lips 
Of  heaven's  Almighty.    Thou  to  me  thy  thoughts 
Wast  wont,  I  mine  to  thee  was  wont  t'  impart : 
Both  waking  we  were  one ;  how  then  can  now 
Thy  sleep  dissent?  New  laws  thou  seest  impos'd , 
New  laws  from  him  who  reigns,  new  minds  may  rais»? 
In  us  who  serve,  new  counsels,  to  debate 
What  doubtful  may  ensue :  more  in  this  place 
To  utter  is  not  safe.     Assemble  thou 


B(»OKV.|  PARADISE   LOST.  IflO 

Of  all  those  myriads  which  we  lead  the  chief; 
Tell  them  that  by  command,  ere  yet  dim  night 
Her  shadowy  cloud  withdraws  I  am  to  haste, 
And  all  who  under  me  their  banners  wave, 
Homeward  with  flying  march  where  we  possess 
The  quarters  of  the  north ;  there  to  prepare 
Fit  entertainment  to  receive  our  King, 
The  great  Messiah,  and  his  new  commands, 
Who  speedily  through  all  the  hierarchies 
Intends  to  pass  triumphant,  and  give  laws. 

So  spake  the  false  arch-angel,  and  infus'd 
Bad  influence  into  th'  unwary  breast 
Of  his  associate  :  he  together  calls, 
Or  several  one  by  one,  the  regent  powers, 
Under  him  regent;  tells,  as  he  was  taught, 
That  the  most  High  commanding,  now  ere  night, 
Now  ere  dim  night  had  disencumber'd  heav'n, 
The  great  hierarchial  standard  was  to  move ; 
Tells  the  suggested  cause,  and  casts  between 
Ambiguous  words  and  jealousies,  to  sound 
Or  taint  integrity ;  but  all  obey'd 
The  wonted  signal,  and  superior  voice 
Of  their  great  potentate  ;  for  great  indeed 
His  name,  and  high  was  his  degree  in  heav'n  ; 
His  count'nance,  as  the  morning  star  that  guides 
The  starry  flock,  allur'd  them,  and  with  lies 
Drew  after  him  the  third  part  of  heav'n's  host. 
Meanwhile  th'  eternal  eye,  whose  sight  discerns 
Abstrusest  thoughts,  from  forth  his  holy  mount 
And  from  within  the  golden  lamps  that  burn 
Nightly  before  him,  saw  without  their  light 
Rebellion  rising,  saw  in  whom,  how  spread 
Among  the  sons  of  morn,  what  multitude;; 
Were  banded  to  oppose  his  high  decree ; 
And  smiling  to  his  only  Son  thus  said: 

Son,  thou  in  whom  my  glory  I  behold 
In  full  resplendence,  heir  of  all  my  might, 
Nearly  it  now  concerns  us  to  be  sure 
Of  our  omnipotence,  and  with  what  arms 


140  PARAD1SK  LOST.  [BOOK  V 

We  mean  to  hold  what  anciently  we  claim 
Of  deity  or  empire ;  such  a  foe 
is  rising,  who  intends  to  erect  his  throne 
Equal  to  ours,  throughout  the  spacious  north; 
Nor  so  content,  hath  in  his  thought  to  try 
In  battle,  what  our  pow'r  is,  or  our  right. 
Let  us  advise,  and  to  this  hazard  draw 
With  speed  what  force  is  left,  and  all  employ 
In  our  defence,  lest  unawares  we  lose 
This  our  high  place,  our  sanctuary,  our  hill. 

To  whom  the  son  with  calm  aspect  and  clear, 
Lightning  divine,  ineffable,  serene, 
Made  answer:  Mighty  Father,  thou  thy  foes 
Justly  hast  in  derision,  and  secure 
Laugh'st  at  their  vain  designs  and  tumults  vain, 
Matter  to  me  of  glory,  whom  their  hate 
Illustrates,  when  they  see  all  regal  power 
Giv'n  me  to  quell  their  pride,  and  in  event 
Know  whether  I  be  dex'trous  to  subdue 
Thy  rebels,  or  be  found  the  worst  in  heav'n. 

So  spake  the  Son ;  but  Satan  with  his  powers 
Far  was  advanc'd  on  winged  speed,  a  host 
Innumerable  as  the  stars  of  night, 
Or  stars  of  morning,  dew-drops,  which  the  sun 
Impearls  on  every  leaf  and  every  flower. 
Regions  they  pass'd,  the  mighty  regencies 
Of  seraphim,  and  potentates,  and  thrones, 
In  their  triple  degrees :  regions  to  which 
All  thy  dominion,  Adam,  is  no  more 
Than  what  this  garden  is  to  all  the  earth, 
And  all  the  sea,  from  one  entire  globose 
Stretch'd  into  longitude ;  which  having  pass'd 
At  length  into  the  limits  of  the  north 
They  came,  and  Satan  to  his  royal  seat 
High  on  a  hill,  far  blazing  as  a  mount 
Rais'd  on  a  mount,  with  pyramids  and  towers 
From  diamond  quarries  hewn,  and  rocks  of  goto. 
The  palace  of  great  Lucifer  (so  call 
That  structure  in  the  dialect  of  mon 


BuOKV.J  PARADISE   LOST.  141 

Interpreted,)  which  not  long  after,  he 
Affecting  all  equality  with  God, 
In  imitation  of  that  mount  whereon 
Messiah  was  declar'd  in  sight  of  heav'n, 
The  Mountain  of  the  Congregation  call'd ; 
For  thither  he  assembled  all  his  train, 
Pretending  so  commanded  to  consult 
About  the  great  reception  of  their  king 
Thither  to  come,  and  with  calumnious  art 
Of  counterfeited  truth  thus  held  their  ears  : 

Thrones,  dominations,  princedoms,  virtues,  powers. 
If  these  magnific  titles  yet  remain 
Not  merely  titular,  since  by  decree 
Another  now  hath  to  himself  engross'd 
All  power,  and  us  eclips'd  under  the  name 
Of  king  anointed,  for  whom  all  this  haste 
Of  midnight  march,  and  hurried  meeting  here, 
This  only  to  consult  how  we  may  best 
With  what  may  be  devis'd  of  honours  new, 
Receive  him  coming  to  receive  from  us 
Knee-tribute  yet  unpaid,  prostration  vile, 
Too  much  to  one,  but  double  how  endur'd, 
To  one  and  to  his  image  now  proclaim'd  ? 
But  what  if  better  counsels  might  erect 
Our  minds,  and  teach  us  to  cast  off  this  yoke  ? 
Will  ye  submit  your  necks,  and  choose  to  bend 
The  supple  knee  ?  ye  will  not,  if  I  trust 
To  know  ye  right,  or  if  ye  know  yourselves 
Natives  and  sons  of  heav'n  possess'd  before 
By  none,  and  if  not  equal  all,  yet  free, 
Equally  free  ;  for  orders  and  degrees 
Jar  not  with  liberty,  but  well  consist. 
Who  can  in  reason  then  or  right  assume 
Monarchy  over  such  as  live  by  right 
His  equals,  if  in  power  and  splendour  less, 
In  freedom  equal  ?  or  can  introduce 
Law  and  edict  on  us,  who  without  law 
Err  not?  much  less  for  this  to  be  our  Lord, 
And  look  for  adoration  to  th'  abuse 


!  V2  PARADISE  LOST.  [jtonKV 

Of  those  imperial  titles,  which  assert 
Our  being  ordain'd  to  govern,  not  to  serve. 

Thus  far  his  bold  discourse  without  control 
Had  audience,  when  among  the  seraphim, 
Abdiel,  than  whom  none  with  more  zeal  ador'd 
The  Deity,  and  divine  commands  obey'd, 
Stood  up,  and  in  a  flame  of  zeal  severe 
The  current  of  his  fury  thus  oppos'd : 

O  argument  blasphemous,  false  and  proud  ! 
Words  which  no  ear  ever  to  hear  in  heav'u 
Expected,  least  of  all  from  thee,  ingrate, 
In  place  thyself  so  high  above  thy  peers. 
Canst  thou  with  impious  obloquy  condemn 
The  just  decree  of  God,  pronounc'd  and  sworn, 
That  to  his  only  Son  by  right  endued 
With  regal  sceptre,  every  soul  in  Heaven 
Shall  bend  the  knee,  and  in  that  honour  due 
Confess  him  rightful  King?  unjust,  thou  say'*t, 
Flatly  unjust,  to  bind  with  laws  the  free, 
And  equal  over  equals  to  let  reign, 
One  over  all  with  unsucceeded  power. 
Shalt  thou  give  law  to  God,  shall  thou  dispute 
With  him  the  points  of  liberty,  who  made 
Thee  what  thou  art,  and  form'd  the  powers  of  henv'n 
Such  as  he  pleas'd,  and  circumscrib'd  their  being  l. 
Yet  by  experience  taught  we  know  how  good, 
And  of  our  good  and  of  our  dignity 
How  provident  he  is,  how  far  from  thought 
To  make  us  less,  bent  rather  to  exalt 
Our  happy  state  under  one  head  more  near 
United.     But  to  grant  it  thee  unjust, 
That  equal  over  equals  monarch  reign  : 
Thyself  though  great  and  glorious  dost  thou  count 
Or  all  angelic  nature  join'd  in  one, 
Equal  to  him  begotten  Son  ?  by  whom 
As  by  his  word  the  mighty  Father  made 
All  things,  e'en  thee ;  and  all  the  spirits  of  heav'n 
By  him  created  in  their  bright  degrees, 
Crown'd  them  with  glory,  and  to  their  glory  nam'J 


HMOK  v.]  "PARADISE  LOST.  143 

Thrones,  dominations,  princedoms,  virtues,  poweis, 
Essential  pow'rs  ;  nor  by  his  reigu  obscar'd, 
But  more  illustrious  made ;  since  he  the  head 
One  of  our  number  thus  reduc'd  becomes  ; 
His  laws  our  laws ;  all  honour  to  him  done 
Returns  our  own.     Cease  then  this  impious  rege, 
And  tempt  not  these  ;  but  hasten  to  appease 
TV  incensed  Father,  and  th'  incensed  Son, 
While  pardon  may  be  found  in  time  besought. 

So  spake  the  fervent  angel ;  but  his  zeal 
None  seconded,  as  out  of  season  judg'd. 
Or  singular  and  rash,  whereat  rejoic'd, 
Th'  apostate,  and  more  haughty  thus  reply'd  : 

That  we  were  form'dthen  say'st  thou  ?  and  the  worl; 
Of  secondary  hands,  by  task  transferr'd 
From  Father  to  his  Son  ?  strange  point  and  ne\v  ! 
Doctrine  which  we  would  know  whence  learn'd :  who 

saw 

When  this  creation  was  ?  remember'st  thou 
Thy  making,  while  the  Maker  gave  thee  being  ? 
We  know  no  time  when  we  were  not  as  now  ; 
Know  none  before  us,  self-begot,  self-rais'd 
By  our  own  quick'ning  pow'r,  when  fatal  course 
Had  circled  his  full  orb,  the  birth  mature 
Of  this  our  native  heav'n,  ethereal  sons. 
Our  puissance  is  our  own :  our  own  right  hanJ 
Shall  teach  us  highest  deeds,  by  proof  to  try 
Who  is  our  equal :  then  thou  shall  behold 
Whether  by  supplication  we  intend 
Address,  and  to  begirt  lh'  almighty  throne 
Beseeching  or  besieging.     This  report, 
These  tidings  carry  to  th'  anointed  King  ; 
And  fly,  ere  evil  intercept  thy  flight. 

He  said,  and  as  the  sound  of  waters  deep, 
Hoarse  murmur  echo'd  to  his  words  applause 
Through  the  infinite  host ;  nor  less  for  that 
The  flaming  seraph  fearless,  though  alone, 
Encompass'd  round  with  foes,  thus  answer'd  bold: 


144  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK    / 

O  alienate  from  God,  O  spirit  accurs'd, 
Forsaken  of  all  good  ;  I  see  thy  fall 
Determin'd,  and  thy  hapless  crew  involv'd 
In  this  perfidious  fraud,  contagion  spread 
Both  of  thy  crime  and  punishment :  henceforth 
No  more  be  troubled  how  to  quit  the  yoke 
Of  God's  Messiah  :  those  indulgent  laws 
Will  not  be  now  vouchsaf  d ;  other  decrees 
Against  thee  are  gone  forth  without  recal ; 
That  golden  sceptre,  which  thou  didst  reject, 
Is  now  an  iron  rod  to  bruise  and  break 
Thy  disobedience.     Well  thou  didst  advise. 
Yet  not  for  thy  advice  or  threats  I  fly 
These  wicked  tents  devoted,  lest  the  wrath 
Impendent,  raging  into  sudden  flame 
Distinguish  not :  for  soon  expect  to  feel 
His  thunder  on  thy  head,  devouring  fire. 
Then  who  created  thee  lamenting  learn, 
When  who  can  uncreate  thee  thou  shall  know. 

So  spake  the  seraph  Abdiel,  faithful  found 
Among  the  faithless,  faithful  only  he  ; 
Among  innumerable  false,  unmov'd, 
Unshaken,  unseduc'd,  unterrify'd, 
His  loyalty  he  kept,  his  love,  his  zeal ; 
Nor  number,  nor  example  with  him  wrought 
To  swerve  from  truth,  or  change  his  constant  mir<J 
Though  single.     From  amidst  them  forth  he  pas^'d 
Long  way  through  hostile  scorn,  which  he  susiainVi 
Superior,  nor  of  violence  fear'd  ought ; 
And  with  retorted  scorn  his  back  he  turn'd 
On  those  proud  tow'rs  to  swift  destruction  dooin'J 


KNl)  OF  BOOK  FIFTH. 


THE 

SIXTH   BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT 


RAPHAEL  continues  to  relate  how  Michael  and  Gabriel  were  seni 
forth  to  battle  against  Satan  and  his  angels.  The  first  fight  de- 
scribed :  Satan  and  his  powers  retire  under  night :  he  calls  a 
council,  invents  devilish  engines,  which,  in  the  second  day's 
fight,  put  Michael  and  his  angel-,  to  some  disorder ;  but  they  at 
length,  pulling  up  mountains,  overwhelmed  both  the  force  and 
machines  of  Satan  :  yet,  the  tumult  not  so  ending,  God  on  the 
third  day,  sends  Messiah -his  son,  for  whom  he  had  reserved  the 
glory  of  that  victory  :  he,  in  the  power  of  his  Father,  coming  to 
the  place,  and  causing  all  his  legions  to  stand  still  on  either  side, 
with  his  chariot  and  thunder  driving  into  the  midst  of  bis  ene- 
mies, pursues  them,  unable  to  resist,  towards  the  wall  of  Heaven  ; 
which  opening,  they  leap  down  with  horror  and  confusion  into 
the  place  of  punishment  prepared  for  them  in  the  deep  :  Messiah 
returns  with  triumph  to  his  Father. 


PARADISE   LOST. 


<  BOOK.  VI. 

A.LL  night  the  dreadless  angel  unpursu'd 

Through  heav'n's  wide  champaign  held  his  way  ;  till 

morn, 

Wak'd  by  the  circling  hours,  with  rosy  hand 
Unbarr'd  the  gates  of  light.  There  is  a  cave 
Within  the  mount  of  God,  fast  by  his  throne, 
Where  light  and  darkness  in  perpetual  round 
Lodge  and  dislodge  by  turns,  which  makes  through 

heav'n 

Grateful  vicissitude,  like  day  and  night ; 
Light  issues  forth,  and  at  the  other  door 
Obsequious  darkness  enters,  till  her  hour 
To   veil  the   heav'n,  though   darkne:-s   there   mignt 

well 

Seem  twilight  here :  and  now  went  forth  the  morn 
Such  as  in  highest  heav'n,  array'd  in  gold 
Empyreal ;  from  before  her  vanish'd  night, 
Shot  through  with  orient  beams  ;  when  all  the  plain 
Cover'd  with  thick  embattled  squadrons  bright, 
Chariots  and  flaming  arms,  and  fiery  steeds 
Reflecting  blaze  on  blaze,  first  met  his  view  : 
War  he  perceiv'd,  war  in  procinct,^  and  found 
Already  known,  what  he  for  news  had  thought 

*  "  War  in  procim-t  "'  war  prepared,  or  ready-girded. 


148  PARADISE   LOST.  fjUX-'.K    VI 

To  have  reported :  gladly  then  he  mix'd 
Among  those  friendly  pow'rs,  who  him  receiv'd 
With  joy  and  acclamations  loud,  that  one, 
That  of  so  many  myriads  fall'n,  yet  one 
Return'd  not  lost :  on  to  the  sacred  hill 
They  led  him  high  applauded,  and  present 
Before  the  seat  supreme ;  from  whence  a  voice 
From  midst  a  golden  cloud  thus  mild  was  heard  : 

Servant  of  God,  well  done,  well  hast  thou  fought 
The  better  fight,  who  single  hast  maintain'd 
Against  revolted  multitudes  the  cause 
Of  truth,  in  word  mightier  than  they  in  arms ; 
And  for  the  testimony  of  truth  hast  borne 
Universal  reproach,  far  worse  to  bear 
Than  violence ;  for  this  was  all  thy  care 
To  stand  approv'd,  in  sight  of  God,  though  worlds 
Judg'd  thee  perverse  :  the  easier  conquest  now 
Remains  thee,  aided  by  this  host  of  friends, 
Back  on  thy  foes  more  glorious  to  return 
Than  scorn'd  thou  didst  depart,  and  to  subdue 
By  force,  who  reason  for  their  law  refuse, 
Right  reason  for  their  law,  and  for  their  King 
Messiah  ;  who  by  right  of  merit  reigns. 
Go  Michael  of  celestial  armies  prince, 
And  thou  in  military  prowess  next 
Gabriel,  lead  forth  to  battle  these  my  sons 
Invincible,  lead  forth  my  armed  saints 
By  thousands  and  by  millions  rang'd  for  fight, 
Equal  in  number  to  that  godless  crew 
Rebellious  :  them  with  fire  and  hostile  arms 
Fearless  assault,  and  to  the  brow  of  heav'n 
Pursuing  drive  them  out  from  God  and  bliss 
Into  their  place  of  punishment,  the  gulf 
Of  Tartarus,  which  ready  opens  wide 
His  fiery  chaos  to  receive  their  fall. 

So  spake  the  sov'reign  voice,  and  clouds  began 
To  darken  all  the  hill,  and  smoke  to  roll 
In  dusky  wreaths,  reluctant  flames,  the  sign 
Of  wrath  awak'd;  nor  with  less  dread  the  loud 


BOOK   VI.  |  PARADISE  LOST.  1-19 

Ethereal  trumpet  from  on  high  'gan  blow : 
At  which  command  the  powers  militant, 
That  stood  for  heav'n,  in  mighty  quadrate  join'd 
Of  union  irresistable,  mov'd  on 
In  silence  their  bright  legions,  to  the  sound 
Of  instrumental  harmony,  that  breath'd 
Heroic  ardour  to  advent'rous  deeds 
Under  their  godlike  leaders,  in  the  cause 
Of  God  and  his  Messiah.     On  they  move 
[ndissolubly  firm ;  nor  obvious  hill, 
Nor  strait'ning  vale,  nor  wood,  nor  stream  divide* 
Their  perfect  ranks  ;  for  high  above  the  ground 
Their  march  was,  and  the  passive  air  upbore 
Their  nimble  tread ;  as  when  the  total  kind 
Of  birds,  in  orderly  array  on  wing, 
Came  summon'd  over  Eden  to  receive 
Their  names  of  thee ;  so  over  many  a  tract 
Of  heav'n  they  march'd,  and  many  a  province  wide 
Tenfold  the  length  of  this  terrene  :  at  last 
Far  in  th'  horizon  to  the  north  appear'd 
From  skirt  to  skirt  a  fiery  region,  stretch'd 
In  battailous  aspect,  and  nearer  view 
Bristled  with  upright  beams  innumerable 
Of  rigid  spears,  and  helmets  throng'd,  and  shields 
Various ;  with  boastful  argument  portray'd, 
The  banded  pow'rs  of  Satan  hasting  on 
With  furious  expedition  ;  for  they  ween'd 
That  self-same  day  by  fight,  or  by  surprise, 
To  win  the  mount  of  God,  and  on  his  throne 
To  set  the  envier  of  his  state,  the  proud 
Aspirer,  but  their  thoughts  prov'd  fond  and  vain 
In  the  mid-way;  though  strange  to  us  it  seem'd 
At  first,  that  angel  should  with  angel  war, 
And  in  fierce  hosting  meet,  who  wont  to  meet 
So  oft  in  festivals  of  joy  and  love 
Unanimous,  as  sons  of  one  great  sire 
Hymning  th'  eternal  Father ;  but  the  shout 
Of  battle  now  began,  and  rushing  sound 
Of  onset  ended  soon  each  milder  thought 
13* 


J50  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   VI. 

High  in  the  midst  exalted  as  a  God 

Th'  apostate  in  his  sun-bright  chariot  sat, 

Idol  of  majesty  divine,  enclos'd 

With  flaming  cherubim  and  golden  shields  ; 

Then  lighted  from  his  gorgeous  throne,  for  nov\ 

'Twixt  host  and  host  but  narrow  space  wo*  'ert 

A  dreadful  interval,  and  front  to  front 

Presented,  stood  in  terrible  array 

Of  hideous  length  :  before  the  cloudy  van, 

On  the  rough  edge  of  battle  ere  it  join'd, 

Satan  with  vast  and  haughty  strides  advanc'd 

Came  tow'ring,  arm'd  in  adamant  and  gold : 

Abdiel  that  sight  endur'd  not,  where  he  stood 

Among  the  mightiest,  bent  on  highest  deeds, 

And  thus  his  own  undaunted  heart  explores  : 

O  heav'n  !  that  such  resemblance  of  the  Highest 
Should  yet  remain,  where  faith  and  realty 
Remain  not :  wherefore  should  not  strength  and  might 
There  fail  where  virtue  fails,  or  weakest  prove 
Where  boldest,  though  to  sight  unconquerable  ? 
His  puissance,  trusting  in  th'  Almighty's  aid, 
I  mean  to  try,  whose  reason  I  have  try'd 
Unsound  and  false  ;  nor  is  it  ought  but  just, 
That  he  who  in  debate  of  truth  hath  won, 
Should  win  in  arms,  in  both  disputes  alike 
Victor:  though  brutish  that  contest,  and  foul, 
When  reason  hath  to  deal  with  force,  yet  so 
Most  reason  is  that  reason  overcome. 

So  pondering,  and  from  his  armed  peers 
Forth  stepping  opposite,  half-way  he  met 
His  daring  foe,  at  this  prevention  more 
Incens'd,  and  thus,  securely  him  defy'd  : 

Proud,  art  thou  met?  thy  hope  was  to  have  reacii'd 
The  height  of  thy  aspiring  unoppos'd, 
The  throne  of  God  unguarded,  and  his  side 
Abandon'd  at  the  terror  of  thy  power 
Or  potent  tongue :  fool,  not  to  think  how  vain 
Against  th'  Omnipotent  to  rise  in  arms ; 
Who  01 1  of  smallest  things  could  without  t;iiJ 


BOOK   VI.]  PARADISE  LOST.  15! 

Have  rais'd  incessant  armies  to  defeat 

Thy  folly ;  or  with  solitary  hand 

Reaching  beyond  all  limit,  at  one  blow 

Unaided  could  have  finish'd  thee,  and  whelm 'd 

Thy  legions  under  darkness  :  but  thou  seest 

All  are  not  of  thy  train ;  there  be  who  faith 

Prefer,  and  piety  to  God,  though  then 

To  thee  not  visible,  when  I  alone 

Seem'd  in  thy  world  erroneous  to  dissent 

From  all :  my  sect  thou  seest ;  now  learn  too  late 

How  few  sometimes  may  know,  when  thousands  err. 

Whom  the  grand  foe  with  scornful  eye  askance 
Thus  answer'd :  111  for  thee,  but  in  wish'd  hour 
Of  m'y  revenge  first  sought,  for  thou  return'st 
From  flight,  seditious  angel,  to  receive 
Thy  merited  reward,  the  first  assay 
Of  this  right  hand  provok'd,  since  first  that  tungue 
Inspired  with  contradiction  durst  oppose 
A  third  part  of  the  gods,  in  synod  met 
Their  deities  to  assert,  who  while  they  feel 
Vigour  divine  within  them,  can  allow     , 
Omnipotence  to  none.     But  well  thou  com'ct 
Before  thy  fellows,  ambitious  to  win 
From  me  some  plume,  that  thy  success  may  show 
Destruction  to  the  rest :  this  pause  between 
(Unanswer'd  lest  thou  boast)  to  let  thee  know  ; 
At  first  I  thought  that  liberty  and  heav'n 
To  heavenly  souls  had  been  all  one ;  but  now 
I  see  that  most  through  sloth  had  rather  serve, 
Minist'ring  spirits,  train'd  up  in  feast  and  song ; 
Such  hast  thou  arm'd,  the  minstrelsy  of  heav'n, 
Servility  with  freedom  to  contend, 
As  both  their  deeds  compar'd  this  day  shall  prove. 

To  whom  in  brief  thus  Abdiel  stern  reply'd  • 
Apostate,  still  thou  err'st,  nor  end  wilt  find 
Of  erring,  from  the  path  of  truth  remote : 
Unjustly  thou  depmv'st  it  with  the  name 
Of  servitude  to  serve  whom  God  ordains, 
Or  Nature ;  God  and  Nature  bid  the  same, 


152  PARA  DISK  LOST.  [BOOK   VI. 

When  he  who  rules  is  worthiest,  and  excels 
Them  whom  he  governs.     This  is  servitude 
To  serve  th'  unwise,  or  him  who  hath  rebell'd 
Against  his  worthier,  as  thine  now  serve  thee, 
Thyself  not  free,  but  to  thyself  inthral'd ; 
Yet  lewdly  dar'st  our  minist'ring  upbraid. 
Reign  thou  in  hell  thy  kingdom  ;  let  me  serve 
In  heav'n  God  ever  blest,  and  his  divine 
Behests  obey,  worthiest  to  be  obey'd  : 
Yet  chains  in  hell,  not  realms  expect  :  meanwhile 
From  me  return'd  as  erst  thou  saidst,  from  flight, 
This  greeting  on  thy  impious  crest  receive. 
So  saying,  a  noble  stroke  he  lifted  high, 
Which  hung  not,  but  so  swift  with  tempest  fell 
On  the  proud  crest  of  Satan,  that  no  sight, 
Nor  motion  of  swift  thought,  less  could  his  shield 
Such  ruin  intercept:  ten  paces  huge 
He  back  recoil'd  ;  the  tenth  on  bended  knee 
His  massy  spear  upstay'd  ;  as  if  on  earth, 
Winds  under  ground,  or  waters  forcing  way, 
Sidelong  had  push'd  a  mountain  from  his  seat 
Half  sunk  with  all  his  pines.     Amazement  seiz'd 
The  rebel  thrones,  but  greater  rage  to  see 
Thus  foil'd  their  mightiest ;  ours  joy  fill'd,  and  shou. 
Presage  of  victory,  and  fierce  desire 
Of  battle  :  whereat  Michael  bid  sound 
Th'  arch-angel  trumpet :  through  the  vast  of  heav'n 
It  sounded,  and  the  faithful  armies  rung 
Hosanna  to  the  Highest :  nor  stood  at  gaze 
The  adverse  legions,  nor  less  hideous  join'd 
The  horrid  shock  :  now  storming  fury  rose, 
And  clamour  such  as  heard  in  heav'n  till  now 
Was  never;  arms  on  armour  clashing  bray'd 
Horrible  discord,  and  the  madding  wheels 
Of  brazen  chariots  rag'd  ;  dire  was  the  rioi«« 
Of  conflict ;  over  head  the  dismal  hiss 
Of  fiery  darts  in  flaming  vollies  flew, 
And  flying  vaulted  either  host  with  fire  -. 
So  under  fiery  cope  together  rush'd 


BOOK   VI.]  PARADISE  LOST.  153 

Both  battles  main,  with  ruinous  assault 

And  inextinguishable  rage  ;  all  heav'n 

Resounded,  and  had  earth  been  then,  all  earth 

Had  to  her  centre  shook.     What  wonder  ?  when 

Millions  of  fierce  encount'ring  angels  fought 

On  either  side,  the  least  of  whom  could  wield 

These  elements,  and  arm  him  with  the  force 

Of  all  their  regions :  how  much  more  of  pow'r 

Army  against  army  numberless  to  raise 

Dreadful  combustion  warring,  and  disturb, 

Though  not  destroy,  their  happy  native  seat ; 

Had  not  th'  eternal  King  omnipotent 

From  his  strong  hold  of  heav'n  high  over-rul'd 

And  fimited  their  might ;  though  number'd  suoh 

As  each  divided  legion  might  have  seem'd 

A  numerous  host,  in  strength  each  armed  hand 

A  legion,  led  in  fight  yet  leader  seem'd 

Each  warrior  single  as  in  chief,  expert 

When  to  advance,  or  stand,  or  turn  the  sway 

Of  battle,  open  when,  and  when  to  close 

The  ridgos  of  grim  war :  no  thought  of  flight, 

None  of  retreat,  no  unbecoming  deed 

That  argued  fear  :  each  on  himself  rely'd, 

As  only  in  his  arm  the  moment  lay 

Of  victory :  deeds  of  eternal  fame 

Were  done,  but  infinite  :  for  wide  was  spread 

That  war  and  various,  sometimes  on  firm  ground 

A  standing  fight,  then  soaring  on  main  wing 

Tormented  all  the  air ;  all  air  seem'd  then 

Conflicting  fire :  long  time  in  even  scale 

The  battle  hung :  till  Satan,  who  that  day 

Prodigious  pow'r  had  shown,  and  met  in  arms 

No  equal,  ranging  through  the  dire  attack 

Of  fighting  seraphim  confus'd,  at  length 

Saw  where  the  sword  of  Michael  smote,  and  fell'd 

Squadrons  at  once  ;  with  huge  two-handed  sway 

Brandish'd  aloft  the  horrid  edge  came  down 

Wide  wasting;  such  destruction  to  withstand 

He  hasted,  and  oppos'd  the  rocky  orb 


1M  PARADISE   LOST.  [bOOK   VI. 

Of  tenfold  adamant,  his  ample  shield, 
A  vast  circumference  :  at  his  approach 
The  great  arch-angel  from  his  warlike  toil 
Surceas'd,  and  glad  as  hoping  here  to  end 
Intestine  war  in  heav'n,  th'  arch  foe  subdu'd 
Or  captive  dragg'd  in  chains,  with  hostile  frown 
A.nd  visage  all  inflam'd  first  thus  began  : 

Author  of  evil,  unknown  till  thy  revolt, 
Unnam'd  in  heav'n,  now  plenteous,  as  thou  seest 
These  acts  of  hateful  strife,  hateful  to  all, 
Though  heaviest  by  just  measure  on  thyself 
And  thy  adherents  :  how  hast  thou  disturb'd 
Heav'n's  blessed  peace,  and  into  nature  brought 
Misery,  uncreated  till  the  crime 
Of  thy  rebellion  ?  how  hast  thou  instill'd 
Thy  malice  into  thousands,  once  upright 
And  faithful,  now  prov'd  false  ?     But  think  not  hero 
To  trouble  holy  rest ;  heav'n  cast  thee  out 
From  all  her  confines.     Heav'n  the  seat  of  bliss 
Brooks  not  the  works  of  violence  and  war. 
Hence  then,  and  evil  go  with  thee  along, 
Thy  offspring,  to  the  place  of  evil,  hell, 
Thou  and  thy  wicked  crew ;  there  mingle  broils, 
Ere  this  avenging  sword  begin  thy  doom, 
Or  some  more  sudden  vengeance  wing'd  from  God 
Precipitate  thee  with  augmented  pain. 

So  spake  the  prince  of  angels  :  to  whom  thus 
The  adversary :  Nor  think  thou  with  wind 
Of  airy  threats  to  awe  whom  yet  with  deeds 
Thou  canst  not.     Hast  thou  turn'd  the  least  of  these 
To  flight,  or  if  to  fall,  but  that  they  rise 
(Jnvanquish'd,  easier  to  transact  with  me, 
That  thou  shouldst  hope,  imperious,  and  with  throats 
To  chase  me  hence  ?  err  riot  that  so  shall  end 
The  strife  which  thou  call'st  evil,  but  we  style 
The  f.trife  of  glory :  which  we  mean  to  win. 
Or  turn  this  heav'n  itself  into  the  hell 
Thou  fablest,  here  however  to  dwell  free, 
If  not  to  reign  :  meanwhile  thy  iitmost  forrp. 


BOOK   VI.  |  PARADISE  LOST.  V5ti 

And  join  him  nam'd  Almighty  to  thy  aid, 

I  fly  not,  but  have  sought  thee  far  and  nigh. 

They  ended  parle,  and  both  address'd  for  fight 

Unspeakable  ;  for  who,  though  with  the  tongue 

Of  angels,  can  relate,  or  to  what  things 

Liken  on  earth  conspicuous,  that  may  lift 

Human  imagination  to  such  height 

Of  godlike  pow'r  ?  for  likest  gods  they  seem'd, 

Stood  they  or  mov'd,  in  stature,  motion,  arms, 

Fit  to  decide  the  empire  of  great  heav'n. 

Now  wav'd  their  fiery  swords,  and  in  the  air 

Made  horrid  circles  ;  two  broad  suns  their  shields 

Blaz'd  opposite,  while  expectation  stood 

In  horror;  from  each  hand  with  speed  retir'cl, 

Where  erst  was  thickest  fight,  th'  angelic  throng, 

And  left  large  field,  unsafe  within  the  wind 

Of  such  commotion  ;  such  as,  to  set  forth 

Great  things  by  small,  if  nature's  concord  broke, 

Among  the  constellations  war  were  sprung, 

Two  planets  rushing  from  aspect  malign 

Of  fiercest  opposition  in  mid  sky 

Should  combat,  and  their  jarring  spheres  confound 

Together  both  with  next  to  almighty  arm 

Up-lifted  imminent,  one  stroke  they  aim'd 

That  might  determine,  and  not  need  repeat, 

As  not  of  pow'r  at  once  ;  and  odds  appear'd 

In  might  or  swift  prevention :  but  the  sword 

Of  Michael  from  the  armoury  of  God 

Was  given  him  temper'd  so,  that  neither  keen 

Nor  solid  might  resist  that  edge  :  it  met. 

The  sword  of  Satan  with  steep  force  to  smite 

Descending,  and  in  half  cut  sheer;  nor  stay'd. 

But  with  swift  wheel  reverse,  deep  ent'ring  shar'd 

A"  liis  right  side:  then  Satan  first  knew  pain. 

And  writh'd  him  to  and  fro  convolv'd  :  so  sore 

The  griding  sword  with  discontinuous  wound 

P«Q«M  through  him:  but  th'  etherial  substance  clos'l 

Not  long  divisible ;  and  from  the  gash 

A  stream  of  nect'rous  humour,  issuing  flow'd 


156  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOfC  VT. 

Sanguine,  such  as  celestial  spirits  may  bleed, 

And  all  his  armour  stain'd  erewhile  so  bright. 

Forthwith  on  all  sides  to  his  aid  was  run 

By  angels  many  and  strong,  who  interpos'd 

Defence,  while  others  bore  him  on  their  shields 

Back  to  his  chariot,  where  it  stood  retir'd 

From  off  the  files  of  war;  there  they  him  laid 

Gnashing  for  anguish,  and  despite  and  shame, 

To  find  himself  not  matchless,  and  his  pride 

Humbled  by  such  rebuke,  so  far  beneath 

His  confidence  to  equal  God  in  pow'r. 

Yet  soon  he  heal'd;  for  spirits  that  live  throughout 

Vital  in  every  part,  not  as  frail  man 

In  entrails,  heart  or  head,  liver  or  reins, 

Cannot  but  by  annihilating  die ; 

Nor  in  their  liquid  texture  mortal  wound 

Receive,  no  more  than  can  the  fluid  air ; 

All  heart  they  live,  all  head,  all  eye,  all  ear, 

All  intellect,  all  sense ;  and  as  they  please, 

They  limb  themselves,  and  colour,  shape,  or  size 

Assume,  as  likes  them  best,  condense  or  rare. 

Meanwhile  in  other  parts  like  deeds  deserv'd 
Memorial,  where  the  might  of  Gabriel  fought, 
And  with  fierce  ensigns  pierc'd  the  deep  array 
Of  Moloch  furious  king  ;  who  him  defy'd, 
And  at  his  chariot  wheels  to  drag  him  bound 
Threaten'd,  nor  from  the  Holy  One  of  heav'n 
Refrain'd  his  tongue  blasphemous  ;  but  anon 
Down  cloven  to  the  waist,  with  shatterd  arms 
And  uncouth  pain  fled  bellowing.     On  each  wing 
Uriel  and  Raphael  his  vaunting  foe, 
Though  huge,  and  in  a  rock  of  diamond  arm'd. 
Vanquish 'd  Adramelech,  and  Asmadai, 
Two  potent  thrones,  that  to  be  less  than  gods 
Disdain'd,  but  meaner  thoughts  learn 'd  in  their  fiiirin 
Mnngled  with  ghastly  wounds  through  plate  and  umil 
Nor  stood  unmindful  Abdiel  to  annoy 
The  atheist  crew,  but  with  re'doubled  blow 
Ariel  tnd  Arioch,  and  the  violence 


BOOK  V   j  PARADISE  LOST.  157 

Of  Ramial,  scorch'd  and  blasted  overthrew. 
I  might  relate  of  thousands,  and  their  names 
Eternize  here  on  earth :  but  those  elect 
Angels  contented  with  their  fame  in  heav'n, 
Seek  not  the  praise  of  men  ;  the  other  sort, 
In  might  though  wondrous  and  in  acts  of  war. 
Nor  of  renown  less  eager,  yet  by  doom 
Cancel'd  from  heav'n  and  sacred  memory, 
Nameless  in  dark  oblivion  let  them  dwell. 
For  strength  from  truth  divided  and  from  just, 
Iliaudable  naught  merits  but  dispraise 
And  ignominy,  yet  to  glory  aspires 
Vain-g-lorious,  and  through  infamy  seeks  fame ; 
Therefore  eternal  silence  be  their  doom. 

And  now  their  mightiest  quell'd,  the  battle  swerv'd 
With  many  an  inroad  gor'd ;  deformed  rout 
Enter'd,  and  foul  disorder ;  all  the  ground 
With  shiverd  armour  strown,  and  on  a  heap 
Chariot  and  charioteer  lay  overturn 'd, 
And  fiery  foaming  steeds;  what  stood,  recoil'd 
O'er- wearied,  through  the  faint  satanic  host 
Defensive  scarce,  or  with  pale  fear  surpris'd, 
Then  first  with  fear  surpris'd  and  sense  of  pain, 
Fled  ignominious,  to  such  evil  brought 
By  sin  of  disobedience,  till  that  hour 
Not  liable  to  fear,  or  flight,  or  pain. 
Far  otherwise  th'  inviolable  saints 
In  cubic  phalanx  firm  advanc'd  entire. 
Invulnerable,  impenetrably  arm'd ; 
Such  high  advantages  their  innocence 
Gave  them  above  their  foes,  not  to  have  smn'd, 
Not  to  have  disobey'd  ;  in  fight  they  stood 
Unwearied,  unobnoxious  to  be  pain'd 
By  wound,  though  from  their  place  by  violence  mov'd 

Now  night  her  course  began,  and  over  hea»r'n 
Inducing  darkness,  grateful  truce  impos'd, 
And  silence  on  the  odious  din  of  war  : 
Under  her  cloudy  covert  both  retir'd, 
Victor  and  vanquished;  on  the  fough'en  field 
14 


15S  PAIiADtSE  LOST.  [BOOK   V? 

Michael  and  his  angels  prevalent 

Encamping,  plac'd  in  guard  their  watches  round. 

Cherubic  waving  fires :  on  th'  other  part 

Satan  with  his  rebellious  disappear'd, 

Far  in  the  dark  dislodg'd  ;  and  void  of  rest, 

His  potentates  to  council  call'd  by  night ; 

And  in  the  midst  thus  undismay'd  began  : 

0  now  in  danger  try'd,  now  known  in  arms 
Not  to  be  overpow'r'd,  companions  dear, 
Found  worthy  not  of  liberty  alone, 
Too  mean  pretence,  but  what  we  more  affect, 
Honour,  dominion,  glory,  and  renown  ; 
Who  have  sustain'd  one  day  in  doubtful  fight 
(And  if  one  day,  why  not  eternal  days  ?) 
What  heav'n's  Lord  had  pow'rfullest  to  send 
Against  us  from  about  his  throne,  and  judg'd 
Sufficient  to  subdue  us  to  his  will, 
But  proves  not  so ;  then  fallible  it  seems, 
Of  future  we  may  deem  him,  though  till  now 
Omniscient  thought.     True  is,  less  firmly  arm'd, 
Some  disadvantage  we  endur'd,  and  pain, 
Till  now  not  known,  but  known  as  soon  contemn 'd 
Since  now  we  find  this  our  empyreal  form 
Incapable  of  mortal  injury, 
Imperishable,  and  though  pierc'd  with  wound, 
Soon  closing,  and  by  native  vigour  heal'd. 
Of  evil  then  so  small  as  easy  think 
The  remedy  ;  perhaps  more  valid  arms, 
Weapons  more  violent,  when  next  we  meet, 
May  serve  to  better  us,  and  worse  our  foes, 
Or  equal  what  between  us  made  the  odds, 
In  nature  none  :  if  other  hidden  cause 
Left  them  superior,  while  we  can  preserve 
Unhurt  our  minds  and  understanding  sound, 
Due  search  and  consultation  will  disclose. 

He  sat ;  and  in  th'  assembly  next  up^tood 
Nisroch,  of  principalities  the  prime  ; 
As  one  he  stood  escap'd  from  cruel  fight, 


BOOK  VI. J  PARADISE  LOST.  169 

Sore  toil,  his  riven  arms  to  havoc  hewn, 
And  cloudy  in  aspect  thus  answering  spake: 

Deliverer  from  new  lords,  leader  to  free 
Enjoyment  of  our  rights  as  gods;  yet  hard 
For  gods,  and  too  unequal  work  we  find, 
Against  unequal  arms  to  fight  in  pain, 
Against  unpain'd,  impassive  ;  from  which  evil 
Ruin  must  needs  ensue ;  for  what  avails 
Valour  or  strength,  though  matchless,  quell'd  with  p;iin 
Which  all  subdues,  and  makes  remiss  the  hands 
Of  mightiest  ?     Sense  of  pleasure  we  may  well 
Spare  out  of  life  perhaps,  and  not  repine, 
But  live  content,  which  is  the  calmest  life  : 
But  pain  is  perfect  misery,  the  worst 
Of  evils,  and  excessive,  overturns 
All  patience.     He  who  therefore  can  invent 
With  what  more  forcible  we  may  offend 
Our  yet  unwounded  enemies,  or  arm 
Ourselves  with  like  defence,  to  me  deserves 
No  less  than  for  deliverance  what  we  owe. 

Whereto  with  look  compos'd  Satan  reply'd  : 
Not  uninvented  that,  which  thou  aright 
Believ'st  so  main  to  our  success,  I  bring 
Which  of  us  who  beholds  the  bright  surface 
Of  this  etherous  mould  whereon  we  stand, 
This  continent  of  spacious  heav'n  adorn'd 
With  plant,  fruit,  flow'r  ambrosial,  gems  and  gold ; 
Whose  eye  so  superficially  surveys 
These  things,  as  not  to  mind  from  whence  they  grow 
Deep  under  ground,  materials  dark  and  crude, 
Of  spirituous  and  fiery  spume,  till  touch'd 
With  heaven's  ray,  and  temper'd  they  shoot  fortli 
So  beauteous,  opening  to  the  ambient  light  ? 
These  in  their  dark  nativity  the  deep 
Shall  yield  us  pregnant  with  infernal  flame  , 
Which  into  hollow  engines  long  and  lound 
Thick-ramm'd,  at  th'  other  bore  with  touch  of  fire 
Dilated  and  infuriate,  shall  send  forth 
From  far  with  thutiflYmg  poise  among  OUT  foes 


100  PARADISE    LOST.  [BOOK  VT. 

Such  implements  of  mischief,  as  shall  dash 
To  pieces,  and  o'erwhelm  whatever  stands 
Adverse,  that  they  shall  fear  we  have  disarm'd 
The  Thund'rer  of  his  only  dreaded  bolt. 
Nor  long  shall  be  our  labour :  yet  ere  dawn, 
Effect  shall  end  our  wish.     Meanwhile  revive  ; 
Abandon  fear  ;  to  strength  and  council  join'd 
Think  nothing  hard,  much  less  to  bo  despair'd. 

He  ended,  and  his  words  their  drooping  cheer 
Enlighten'd,  and  their  languished  hope  reviv'd. 
Th'  invention  all  admir'd,  and  each,  how  he 
To  be  th'  inventor  iniss'd ;  so  easy  it  seem'd 
Once  found,  which  yet  unfound  most  would  have  tho' 
Impossible  :  yet  haply  of  thy  race 
In  future  days,  if  malice  should  abound, 
Some  one  intent  on  mischief,  or  inspir'd 
With  dev'lish  machination,  might  devise 
Like  instrument  to  plague  the  sons  of  men 
For  sin,  on  war  and  mutual  slaughter  bent. 
Forthwith  from  council  to  the  work  they  flew  ; 
Nor  arguing  stood;  innumerable  hands 
Were  ready ;  in  a  moment  up  they  turn'd 
Wide  the  celestial  soil,  and  saw  beneath 
Th'  originals  of  nature  in  their  crude 
Conception  :  sulphurous  and  nitrous-foam 
They  found,  they  mingled,  and  with  subtle  art. 
Concocted  and  adusted  they  reduc'd 
To  blackest  grain,  and  into  store  convey'd ; 
Part  hidden  veins  digg'd  up  ^nor  hath  this  earth 
Entrails  unlike)  of  mineral  and  stone, 
Whereof  to  found  their  engines  and  their  balls 
Of  missive  ruin ;  part  incentive  reed 
Provide,  pernicious  with  one  touch  to  fire. 
So  all  ere  day-spring,  under  conscious  night 
Secret  they  finish'd,  and  in  order  set, 
With  silent  circumspection  unespy'd. 

Now  when  fair  morn  orient  in  heav'n  appe.ir'd, 
Up  rose  the  victor  angels,  and  to  arms 
The  matin  trumpet  sung :   in  arms  triey 


BOOK  VI. J  PARADISE  LOST.  161 

Of  golden  panoply,  refulgent  host, 

Soon  banded  ;  other  from  the  dawning  hills 

Look'd  round,  and  scouts  each  coast,  light-armed  scoui 

Each  quarter,  to  descry  the  distant  foe. 

Where  lodg'd,  or  whither  fled,  or  if  for  fight, 

In  motion,  or  in  halt ;  him  soon  they  met 

Under  spread  ensigns  moving  nigh,  in  slow 

But  firm  battalion ;  back  with  speediest  sail 

Zophiel,  of  cherubim  the  swiftest  wing, 

Came  flying,  and  in  mid  air  aloud  thus  cry'd  : 

Arm,  warriors,  arm  for  fight ;  the  foe  at  hand. 
Whom  fled  we  thought,  will  save  us  long  pursuit 
This  day  ;  fear  not  his  flight ;  so  thick  a  cloud 
He  comes,  and  settled  in  his  face  I  see 
Sad  resolution  and  secure :  let  each 
His  adamantine  coat  gird  well,  and  each 
Fit  well  his  hehn,  gripe  fast  his  orbed  shield. 
Borne  even  or  high ;  for  this  day  will  pour  down, 
If  I  conjecture  aught,  no  drizzling  shower, 
But  rattling  storm  of  arrows  barb'd  with  fire. 

So  warn'd  he  them  aware  themselves,  and  soon 
In  order,  quit  of  all  impediment, 
Instant  without  disturb  they  took  alarm, 
And  onward  mov'd  embattled :  when  behold 
Not  distant  far  with  heavy  pace  the  foe 
Approaching  gross  and  huge,  in  hollow  cube 
Training  his  dev'lish  enginery,  empal'd 
On  every  side  with  shadowing  squadrons  deep, 
To  hide  the  fraud.     At  interview  both  stood 
Awhile  ;  but  suddenly  at  head  appear 'd 
Satan,  and  thus  was  heard  commanding  loud  : 

Vanguard,  to  right  and  left  the  front  unfold  ! 
That  all  may  see  who  hate  us,  how  we  seek 
Peace  and  composure,  and  with  open  breast 
Stand  ready  to  receive  them,  if  they  like 
Our  overture,  and  turn  not  back  perverse ; 
But  that  I  doubt :  however  witness  heav'n, 
Heav'n  witness  thou  anon,  while  we  discharge 
Freely  our  part :  ve  who  appointed  stand, 
14* 


182  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   VI 

Do  as  you  have  in  charge,  and  briefly  touch 
What  we  propound,  and  loud  that  all  may  hear. 

So  scoffing  in  ambiguous  words,  he  scarce 
Had  ended;  when  to  right  and  left  the  front 
Divided,  and  to  either  flank  retir'd  : 
Which  to  our  eyes  discover'd,  new  and  strange, 
A  triple-mounted  row  of  pillars  laid 
On  wheels,  (for  like  to  pillars  most  they  seem'd, 
Or  hollow'd  bodies  made  of  oak  or  fir, 
With  branches  lopt,  in  wood  or  mountain  fell'd) 
Brass,  iron,  stony  mould,  had  not  their  mouths 
With  hideous  orifice  gap'd  on  us  wide, 
Protending  hollow  truce  :  at  each  behind 
A  seraph  stood,  and  in  his  hands  a  reed 
Stood  waving  tipt  with  fire ;  while  we  suspense, 
Collected  stood  within  our  thoughts  amus'd, 
Not  long,  for  sudden  all  at  once  their  reeds 
Put  forth,  and  to  a  narrow  vent  apply  Td 
With  nicest  touch.     Immediate  in  a  flame, 
But  soon  obscur'd  with  smoke,  all  heav'n  appcar'd 
From  those  deep-throated  engines  belch'd,  whose  roai 
Embowel'd  with  outrageous  noise  the  air, 
And  all  her  entrails  tore,  disgorging  foul 
Their  dev'lish  glut,  chain 'd  thunderbolts  and  hail 
Of  iron  globes  ;  which  on  the  victor  host 
Levell'd,  with  such  impetuous  fury  smote, 
That  whom  they  hit,  none  on  their  feet  might  stand, 
Though  standing  else  as  rocks,  but  down  they  fell 
By  thousands,  angel  on  arch-angel  roll'd ; 
The  sooner  for  their  arms ;  unarm 'd  they  might 
Have  easily  as  spirits  evaded  swift 
By  swift  contraction  or  remove  ;  but  now 
Foul  dissipation  follow'd  and  forc'd  rout ; 
Nor  serv'd  it  to  relax  their  serried  files. 
What  should  they  do?  if  on  they  rush'd,  repulse 
Repeated,  and  indecent  overthrow 
Doubled,  would  render  them  yet  more  despis'd. 
And  to  their  foes  a  laughter ;  for  in  view 
Stood  rank'd  of  seraphim  another  row, 


BOOK  VI.  1  PARADISE  LOST.  ]6'3 

In  posture  to  displode  their  second  tier 

Of  thunder  :  back  defeated  to  return 

They  worse  abhorr'd.     Satan  beheld  their  plight, 

And  to  his  mates  thus  in  derision  call'd  : 

O  friends,  why  come  not  on  these  victors  proud  ? 
Erewhile  they  fierce  were  coming ;  and  when  we, 
To  entertain  them  fair  with  open  front 
And  breast  (what  could  we  more  ?)  propounded  terms 
Of  composition,  straight  they  changed  their  minds, 
Flew  off,  and  into  strange  vagaries  fell, 
As  they  would  dance,  yet  for  a  dance  they  seem'd 
Somewhat  extravagant  and  wild,  perhaps 
For  joy  of  offer'd  peace  :  but  I  suppose, 
If  our  proposals  once  again  were  heard, 
We  should  compel  them  to  a  quick  result. 

To  whom  thus  Belial  in  like  gamesome  mood  : 
Leader,  the  terms  we  sent  were  terms  of  weight, 
Of  hard  contents,  and  full  of  force  urg'd  home, 
Such  as  we  might  perceive  amus'd  them  all, 
And  stumbled  many  ;  who  receives  them  right 
Had  need  from  head  to  foot  well  understand ; 
Not  understood,  this  gift  they  have  besides, 
They  show  us  when  our  foes  walk  not  upright. 

So  they  among  themselves  in  pleasant  vein 
Stood  scoffing,  heighten'd  in  their  thoughts  beyond 
All  doubt  of  victory :  eternal  might 
To  match  with  their  inventions  they  presum'd 
So  easy,  and  of  his  thunder  made  a  scorn, 
And  all  his  host  derided,  while  they  stood 
Awhile  in  trouble  :  but  they  stood  not  long  : 
Rage  prompted  them  at  length,  and  found  them  arms 
Against  such  hellish  mischief  fit  t'  oppose. 
Forthwith  (behold  the  excellence,  the  pow'r, 
Which  God  hath  in  his  mighty  angels  plac'd,) 
Their  arms  away  they  threw,  and  to  the  hills 
(For  earth  has  this  variety  from  heav'n 
Of  pleasure  situate  in  hill  and  dale,) 
Light  as  tho  lightning  glimpse  they  ran,  they  flow  ; 
Fiom  their  foundations  loos'ninsr  to  and  fro, 


164  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  Vi 

They  pluck'd  the  seated  hills  with  all  their  load, 

Rocks,  waters,  woods,  and  by  the  shaggy  lops 

Up-lifting  bore  them  in  their  hands  :  amaze, 

Be  sure,  and  terror  seiz'd  the  rebel  host, 

When  coming  towards  them  so  dread  they  saw 

The  bottom  of  the  mountains  upward  turn'd  ; 

Till  on  those  cursed  engines  triple-row 

They  saw  them  whelm'd,  and  all  their  confidence 

Under  the  weight  of  mountains  buried  deep  ; 

Themselves  invaded  next,  and  on  their  heads 

Main  promontories  flung,  which  in  the  air 

Came  shadowing,  and  oppress'd  whole  legions  arm  VI  ; 

Their   armour   help'd   their   harm,   crush'd   in    ami 

bruis'd, 

Into  their  substance  pent,  which  wrought  them  pain 
Implacable,  and  many  a  dolorous  groan, 
Long  struggling  underneath,  ere  they  could  wind 
Out  of  surh  pris'n,  though  spirits  of  purest  light. 
Purest  at  first,  now  gross  by  sinning  grown. 
The  rest  in  imitation  to  like  arms 
Betook  them,  and  the  neighb'ring  hills  uptore : 
So  hills  amid  the  air  encounter'd  hills 
Hurl'd  to  and  fro  with  jaculation  dire, 
That  under  ground  they  fought  in  dismal  shade  ; 
Infernal  noise  ;  war  seem'd  a  civil  game 
To  this  uproar  :  horrid  confusion  heap'd 
Upon  confusion  rose :  and  now  all  heaven 
Had  gone  to  wrack  with  ruin  overspread, 
Had  not  th'  almighty  Father,  where  he  sits 
Shrin'd  in  his  sanctuary  of  heav'n  secure, 
Consulting  on  the  sum  of  things,  foreseen 
This  tumult,  and  permitted  all,  advis'd  : 
That  his  great  purpose  he  might  so  fulfil, 
To  honour  his  anointed  Son  aveng'd 
Upon  his  enemies,  and  to  declare 
All  pow'r  on  him  transferr'd  :  whence  to  his  Son 
Th'  assessor  of  his  throne  he  thus  began  : 

Effulgence  of  my  glory,  Son  belov'd, 
Son  in  whose  face  invisible  is  beheld 


BOOK   VI.]  PARADISE  LOST.  16-5 

Visibly,  what  by  deity  I  am, 

And  in  whose  hand  by  what  decree  I  do, 

Second  Omnipotence,  two  days  are  past, 

Two  days,  as  we  compute  the  days  of  heav'n, 

Since  Michael  and  his  pow'rs  went  forth  to  tame 

These  disobedient :  sore  hath  been  their  fight, 

As  likeliest  was,  when  two  such  foes  met  arm'd ; 

For  to  themselves  I  left  them,  and  thou  know'st, 

Equal  in  their  creation  they  were  form'd, 

Save  what  sin  hath  impair'd,  which  yet  hath  wrought 

Insensible,  for  I  suspend  their  doom; 

Whence  in  perpetual  fight  they  neeJs  must  last 

Endless,  and  no  solution  will  be  found  : 

War  wearied  hath  perform'd  what  war  can  do, 

And  to  disorder'd  rage  let  loose  the  reins, 

With  mountains  as  with  weapons  arm'd,  which  makes 

Wild  work  in  heav'n,  and  dang'rous  to  the  main. 

Two  days  are  therefore  past,  the  third  is  thine  ; 

For  thee  I  have  ordain'd  it,  and  thus  far 

Have  suffer'd,  that  the  glory  may  be  thine 

Of  ending  this  great  war,  since  none  but  Thou 

Can  end  it.     Into  thee  such  virtue  and  grace 

Immense  I  have  transfus'd,  that  all  may  know 

In  heav'n  and  hell  thy  pow'r  above  compare ; 

And  this  perverse  commotion  govern'd,  thus 

To  manifest  thee  worthiest  to  be  heir 

Of  all  things,  to  be  heir,  and  to  be  King 

By  sacred  unction,  thy  deserved  right. 

Go  then  thou  mightiest  in  thy  Father's  might, 

Ascend  my  chariot,  guide  the  rapid  wheels 

That  shake  heav'n's  basis,  bring  forth  all  my  war, 

My  bow  and  thunder,  my  almighty  arms 

Gird  on;  and  sword  upon  thy  puissant  thigh, 

Pursue  these  sons  of  darkness,  drive  them  out 

From  all  heav'n's  bounds  into  the  utter  deep : 

There  let  them  learn,  as  likes  them,  to  despis 

God  and  Messiah  his  annointed  King. 

He  said,  and  on  his  Son  with  rays  direct 
Shone  full :  he  all  his  Father  full  express 'd 


166  PARADISE  LOST.  [ROOK  VI, 

Ineffably  into  his  face  receiv'd  ; 

And  thus  the  filial  Godhead  answering  spake : 

0  Father,  O  Supreme  of  heav'nly  Thrones, 
First,  highest,  holiest,  best,  thou  always  seek'st 
To  glorify  thy  Son,  I  always  thee, 
As  is  most  just;  this  I  my  glory  account, 
My  exaltation,  and  my  whole  delight, 
That  thou  in  me  well  pleas'd,  declar'st  thy  will 
Fulfill'd,  which  to  fulfil  is  all  my  bliss. 
Sceptre  and  pow'r,  thy  giving,  I  assume, 
And  gladlier  shall  resign,  when  in  the  end 
Thou  shall  be  all  in  all,  and  I  in  thee 
For  ever,  and  in  me  all  whom  thou  lov'st : 
But  whom  thou  hat'st,  I  hate,  and  can  put  on 
Thy  terrors,  as  I  put  thy  mildness  on, 
Image  of  thee  in  all  things  ;  and  shall  soon, 
Arm'd  with  thy  might,  rid  heav'n  of  these  rebel  I'd. 
To  their  prepar'd  ill  mansion  driven  down, 
To  chains  of  darkness,  and  th'  undying  worm, 
That  from  thy  just  obedience  could  revolt, 
Whom  to  obey  is  happiness  entire. 
Then  shall  thy  saints  unmix'd,  and  from  th'  impure 
Far  separate,  circling  thy  holy  mount 
Unfeigned  hallelujahs  to  thee  sing, 
Hymns  of  high  praise,  and  I  among  them  chief. 

So  said,  he  o'er  his  sceptre  bowing,  rose 
From  the  right  hand  of  glory  where  he  sat ; 
And  the  third  sacred  morn  began  to  shine, 
Dawning  through  heav'n  :  forth  rush'd  with  whirl- 
wind sound 

The  chariot  of  paternal  Deity, 

Flashing  thick  flames,  wheel  within  wheel  undrawn, 
Itself  instinct  with  spirit,  but  convoy 'd 
By  four  cherubic  shapes  ;  four  faces  each 
Had  wondrous  ;  as  with  stars  their  bodies  all, 
And  wings  were  set  with  eyes,  with  eyes  the  whr-f'ls 
Of  beri!,  and  careering  fires  between  ; 
Over  their  heads  a  crystal  firmament. 
Whereon  a  sapphire  throne,  inlaid  with  pure 


RO^K   Vi.J  PARAJISE  LOST 

Arnber,  and  colours  of  the  show'ry  arch. 

He  in  celestial  panoply  all  arm'd 

Of  radiant  urim,  work  divinely  wrought, 

Ascended ;  at  his  right  hand  victory 

Sat  eagle-wing'd  :  beside  him  hung  his  bow 

And  quiver  with  three-bolted  thunder  stor'd, 

And  from  about  him  fierce  effusion  roll'd 

Of  smoke  and  bickering  flame  and  sparkles  dire  : 

Attended  with  ten  thousand  thousand  saints, 

He  onward  came,  far  off  .his  coming  shone ; 

And  twenty  thousand  (I  their  number  heard) 

Chariots  of  God,  half  on  each  hand  were  seen  : 

He  on  the  wings  of  cherub  rode  sublime 

On  the  crystaline  sky,  in  sapphire  thron'd 

Illustrious  far  and  wide,  but  by  his  own 

First  seen;  then1  unexpected  joy  surpris'd 

When  the  great  ensign  of  Messiah  blaz'd 

Aloft  by  angels  borne,  his  sign  in  heaven; 

Under  whose  conduct  Michael  soon  reduc'd 

His  army,  circumfus'd  on  either  wing, 

Under  their  head  embodied  all  one. 

Before  him  pow'r  divine  his  way  prepar'd ; 

At  his  command  th'  uprooted  hills  retir'd 

Each  to  his  place  ;  they  heard  his  voice,  and  went 

Obsequious  ;  heav'n  his  wonted  face  renew'd, 

And  with  fresh  flow'rets  hill  and  valley  smil'd. 

This  saw  his  hapless  foes,  but  stood  obdur'd, 

And  to  rebellious  fight  rallied  their  powers 

Insensate,  hope  conceiving  from  despair. 

In  heavenly  spirits  could  such  perverseness  dwell  ? 

But  to  convince  the  proud  what  signs  avail, 

Or  wonders  move  the  obdurate  to  relent  ? 

They  harden'd  more  by  what  might  most  reclaim. 

Grieving  to  see  his  glory,  at  the  sight 

Took  envy  :  and  aspiring  to  his  height, 

Stood  re-embattled  fierce,  by  force  or  fraud 

Weening  to  prosper,  and  at  length  prevail 

Against  God  and  Messiah,  or  to  fall  , 

In  universal  ruin  last;  and  now 


16S  PARAIJIbE  LOST.  [BOOK     VI 

To  final  battle  drew,  disdaining  flight, 

Or  faint  retreat ;  when  the  great  Son  of  God 

To  all  his  host  on  either  hand  thus  spake : 

Stand  still  in  bright  array,  ye  saints,  here  stand 
Ye  angels  arm'd,  this  day  from  battle  rest ; 
Faithful  hath  been  your  warfare,  and  of  God 
Accepted,  fearless  in  his  righteous  cause, 
And  as  ye  have  receiv'd,  so  have  ye  done    . 
Invincibly;  but  of  this  cursed  crew 
The  punishment  to  other  hand  belongs ; 
Vengeance  is  his,  or  whose  he  sole  appoints : 
Number  to  this  day's  work  is  not  ordain'd, 
Nor  multitude  ;  stand  only  and  behold 
God's  indignation  on  these  godless  pour'd 
By  me ;  not  you  but  me  they  have  despis'd, 
Yet  envied ;  against  me  is  all  their  rage, 
Because  the  Father,  t'  whom  in  heav'n  supreme 
Kingdom  and  pow'r  and  glory  appertains, 
Hath  honour'd  me  according  to  his  will. 
Therefore  to  me  their  doom  he  hath  assign 'd 
That  they  may  have  their  wish,  to  try  with  me 
In  battle  which  the  stronger  proves,  they  all, 
Or  I  alone  against  them,  since  by  strength 
They  measure  all,  of  other  excellence 
Not  emulous,  nor  care  who  them  excels  ; 
Nor  other  strife  with  them  do  I  vouchsafe. 

So  spake  the  Son,  and  into  terror  chang'd 
His  count'nance  too  severe  to  be  beheld, 
And  full  of  wrath  bent  on  his  enemies. 
At  once  the  four  spread  out  their  starry  wings 
With  dreadful  shade  contiguous,  and  the  orb? 
Of  his  fierce  chariot  roll'd,  as  with  the  sound 
Of  torrent  floods,  or  of  a  numerous  host. 
He  on  his  impious  foes  right  onward  drove, 
Gloomy  as  night ;  under  his  burning  wheels 
The  steadfast  empyrean  shook  throughout, 
All  but  the  throne  itself  of  God.     Full  soon 
A.mong  them  he  arriv'd,  in  his  right  hand 
Grasping  ten  thousand  thunders,  which  he  sent 


BOOK  VI.  J  PARADISE  LOST.  109 

Before  him,  such  as  in  their  souls  infix'd 
Plagues  ;  they  astonish'd  all  resistance  lost, 
All  courage  :  down  their  idle  weapons  dropt ; 
O'er  shields  and  helms  and  helmed  heads  he  rode 
Of  thrones  and  mighty  seraphim  prostrate, 
That  wish'd  the  mountains  now  might  be  again 
Thrown  on  them  as  a  shelter  from  his  ire. 
Nor  less  on  either  side  tempestuous  fell 
His  arrows,  from  the  four-fold  visag'd  four 
Distinct  with  eyes  and  from  the  living  wheels 
Distinct  alike  with  multitude  of  eyes  ; 
One  spirit  in  them  rul'd,  and  every  eye 
Glar'd  lightning,  and  shot  forth  pernicious  fire 
Among  th'  accurs'd,  that  wither'd  all  their  strength, 
And  of  their  wonted  vigour  left  them  drain'J, 
Exhausted,  spiritless,  afflicted,  fall'n. 
Yet  half  his  strength  he  put  not  forth,  but  check 'd 
His  thunder  in  mid  volley :  for  he  mean'. 
Not  to  destroy,  but  root  them  out  of  her.v'n  : 
The  overthrown  he  rais'd,  and  as  a  heri 
Of  goats  or  timorous  flock  together  throng'd 
Drove  them  before  him  thunderstruck,  pursued 
With  terrors  and  with  furies  to  the  bounds 
And  crystal  wall  of  heav'n,  which  opening  wide, 
Roll'd  inward,  and  a  spacious  gap  disclos'd 
Into  the  wasteful  deep ;  the  monstrous  sight 
Struck  them  with  horror  backward,  but  far  worse 
Urg'd  them  behind  ;  headlong  themselves  they  threw 
Down  from  the  verge  of  heaven  ;  eternal  wrath 
Burnt  after  them  to  the  bottomless  pit. 

Hell  heard  th'  unsufferable  noise,  hell  saw 
Heav'n  ruining  from  heav'n,  and  would  have  fled 
Affrighted;  but  strict  fate  had  cast  too  deep 
Her  dark  foundations,  and  too  fast  had  bound. 
Nine  days  they  fell ;  confounded  Chaos  roar'd, 
And  felt  tenfold  confusion  in  their  fall 
Through  his  wild  anarchy,  so  huge  a  rout 
Encumber'd  him  with  ruin  :  hell  at  last 
Yawning  receiv'd  them  whole,  and  on  them  clos'd 
15 


170  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   VI. 

Hell  their  fit  habitation  fraught  with  fixe 
Unquenchable,  the  house  of  wo  and  pain. 
Disburden'd  heav'n  rejoic'd,  and  soon  repair'd 
Her  mural  breach,  returning  whence  it  roll'd. 
Sole  victor  from  the  expulsion  of  his  foes 
Messiah  his  triumphal  chariot  turn'd : 
To  meet  him  all  his  saints,  who  silent  stood 
Eye-witnesses  of  his  almighty  acts, 
With  jubilee  advanc'd  :  and  as  they  went, 
Shaded  with  branching  palm,  each  order  bright, 
Sung  triumph,  and  him  sung  victorious  King, 
Son,  Heir,  and  Lord,  to  him  dominion  giv'n 
Worthiest  to  reign  :  he  celebrated  rode 
Triumphant  through  mid  heav'n  into  the  courts 
And  temple  of  his  mighty  Father  thron'd 
On  high  ;  who  into  glory  him  receiv'd 
Where  now  he  sits  at  the  right  hand  of  bliss. 

Thus  measuring  things  in  heav'n  by  things  on  earth. 
At  thy  request,  and  that  thou  may'st  beware 
By  what  is  past,  to  thee  I  have  reveal'd 
What  might  have  else  to  human  race  been  hid ; 
The  discord  which  befel,  and  war  in  heav'n 
Among  th'  angelic  pow'rs,  and  the  deep  fall 
Of  those  too  high  aspiring,  who  rebell'd 
With  satan ;  he  who  envies  now  thy  stale, 
Who  now  is  plotting  how  he  may  seduce 
Thee  also  from  obedience,  that  with  him 
Bereav'd  of  happiness  thou  may'st  partake 
His  punishment,  eternal  misery  ; 
Which  would  be  all  his  solace  and  revenge, 
As  a  despite  done  against  the  most  High, 
Thee  once  to  gain  companions  of  his  wo. 
But  listen  not  to  his  temptations,  warn 
Thy  weaker ;  let  it  profit  thee  t'  have  heard 
By  terrible  example  the  reward 
Of  disobedience  ;  firm  they  might  have  stood. 
Yet  fell;  remember,  and  fear  to  transgress. 

END  OF  THE    STXTH    F.pOK. 


SEVENTH  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


RAPHAEL,  at  the  request  of  Adam,  relates  how  and  wherefore  this 
world  was  first  created  :  that  God,  after  the  expelling  of  Satan 
and  his  angels  out  of  Heaven,  declared  his  pleasure  to  create 
another  world  and  other  creatures  to  dwell  therein  ;  sends  his  Son 
with  glory  and  attendence  of  angels,  to  perform  the  work  of  crea- 
tion in  six  days :  the  angels  cefehrate  with  hymns  the  perfor- 
mance thereof,  and  his  re-ascension  into  Heaven. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK  VII. 

DESCEND  from  heav'n,  Urania,  by  that  name, 
If  rightly  thou  art  call'd,  whose  voice  divine 
Following1,  above  th'  Olympian  hill  I  soar, 
Above  the  flight  of  Pegasean  wing. 
The  meaning,  not  the  name  I  call :  for  thou 
Nor  of  the  muses  nine,  nor  on  the  top 
Of  old  Olympus  dwell'st,  but  heav'nly  born, 
Before  the  hills  appear'd,  or  fountain  flow'd 
Thou  with  eternal  Wisdom  didst  converse, 
Wisdom  thy  sister,  and  with  her  didst  play 
In  presence  of  th'  almighty  Father,  pleas'd 
With  thy  celestial  song.     Up  led  by  thee 
Into  the  Heav'n  of  heav'ns  I  have  presum'd, 
An  earthly  guest,  and  drawn  empyreal  air, 
Thy  temp'ring ;  with  like  safety  guided  down 
Return  to  me  my  native  element : 
Lest  from  this  flying  steed  unrein'd  (as  once 
Bellerophon,  though  from  a  lower  clime,) 
Dismounted,  on  th'  Aleian  field  I  fall 
Erroneous  there  to  wander,  and  forlorn. 
Half  yet  remains  unsung,  but  narrower  bound 
Within  the  visible  diurnal  sphere  ; 
Standing  on  earth,  not  rapt  above  the  pole, 
More  safe  I  sing  with  mortal  voice,  unchang'd 
To  hoarse  or  mute,  though  fall'n  on  evil  days- 
15* 


174  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   Vll 

On  evil  days  though  fall'n,  and  evil  tongues ; 
In  darkness,  and  with  dangers  compass'd  round. 
And  solitude  :  yet  not  alone,  while  thou 
Visit's!  my  slumbers,  nightly,  or  when  morn 
Purples  the  east :  still  govern  thou  my  song, 
Urania,  and  fit  audience  find,  though  few. 
But  drive  far  off  the  barbarous  dissonance 
Of  Bacchus  and  his  revellers,  the  race 
Of  that  wild  rout  that  tore  the  Thracian  bard 
In  Rhodope,  where  woods  and  rocks  had  ears 
Tc  rapture,  till  the  savage  clamour  drown 'd 
Both  harp  and  voice  ;  nor  could  the  Muse  defend 
Her  son.     So  fail  not  thou,  who  thee  implores : 
For  thou  art  heav'nly,  she  an  empty  dream. 

Say,  goddess,  what  ensued  when  Raphael, 
The  affable  arch-angel,  had  forewarn'd 
Adam  by  dire  example  to  beware 
Apostacy,  by  what  befel  in  heav'n 
To  those  apostates,  lest  the  like  befal 
In  Paradise  to  Adam  or  his  race, 
Charg'd  not  to  touch  the  interdicted  tree, 
If  they  transgress,  and  slight  that  sole  command, 
So  easily  obey'd  amid  the  choice 
Of  all  tastes  else  to  please  their  appetite, 
Though  wand'ring.     He  with  his  consorted  Eve 
The  story  heard  attentive,  and  was  fill'd 
With  admiration  and  deep  muse,  to  hear 
Of  things  so  high  and  strange,  things  to  their  thought 
So  unimaginable  as  hate  in  heav'n, 
And  war  so  near  the  peace  of  God  in  bliss 
With  such  confusion  :  but  the  evil  soon 
Driv'n  back  redounded  as  a  flood  on  those 
From  whom  it  sprung,  impossible  to  mix 
With  blessedness.     Whence  Adam  soon  repeal'd 
The  d-oubts  that  in  his  heart  arose  :  and  now 
Led  on,  yet  sinless,  with  desire  to  know 
What  nearer  might  concern  him,  how  this  world 
Of  heav'n  and  earth  conspicuous  first  began, 
When  and  whereof  created,  for  what  cause, 


BOOK  Vll.]  PARADISE  LOST.  175 

What  within  Eden  or  without  was  done 
Before  his  memory,  as  one  whose  drought 
Yet  scarce  allay'd,  still  eyes  the  current  stream, 
Whose  liquid  murmur  heard  new  thirst  excites, 
Proceeded  thus  to  ask  his  heav'nly  guest : 

Great  things,  and  full  of  wonder  in  our  ears, 
Far  differing  from  this  world  thou  hast  reveal'd, 
Divine  interpreter,  by  favour  sent 
Down  from  the  empyrean  to  forewarn 
Us  timely  of  what  might  else  have  been  our  loss. 
Unknown,  which  human  knowledge  coul-d  not  reach  : 
For  which  to  th'  infinitely  Good  we  owe 
Immortal  thanks,  and  his  admonishment 
Receive  with  solemn  purpose  to  observe 
Immutably  his  sov'reign  will,  the  end 
Of  what  we  are.     But  since  thou  hast  vouchsafed 
Gently  for  oui  instruction  to  impart 
Things  above  earthly  thought,  which  yet  concern  \I 
Our  knowing,  as  to  highest  wisdom  seem'd, 
Deign  to  descend  now  lower,  and  relate 
What  may  no  less  perhaps  avail  to  know, 
How  first  began  this  heav'n  which  we  behold 
Distant  so  high,  with  moving  fires  adorn'd 
Innumerable,  and  this  which  yields  or  fills 
All  space,  the  ambient  air  wide  interfus'd 
Embracing  round  this  floral  earth,  what  cause 
Mov'd  the  Creator  in  his  holy  rest 
Through  all  eternity  so  late  to  build 
In  Chaos,  and  the  work  begun,  how  soon 
Absolv'd,  if  unforbid  thou  mayst  unfold 
What  we,  not  to  explore  the  secrets  ask 
Of  his  eternal  empire,  but  the  more 
To  magnify  his  works,  the  more  we  know. 
And  the  great  light  of  day  yet  wants  to  run 
Much  of  his  race  though  steep;  suspense  in  heav'n, 
Held  by  thy  voice,  thy  potent  voice  he  hears, 
And  longer  will  delay  to  hear  thee  tell 
His  generation,  and  the  rising  birth 
Of  nature  from  the  unnapparent  deeo  : 


176  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   VII. 

Or  if  the  star  of  evening  and  the  moon 
Haste  to  thy  audience,  night  with  her  will  bring 
Silence,  and  sleep  list'ning  to  thee  will  watch, 
Or  we  can  bid  his  absence,  till  thy  song 
End  and  dismiss  thee  ere  the  morning  shine. 

Thus  Adam  his  illustrious  guest  besought : 
And  thus  the  godlike  angel  answer'd  mild : 
This  also  thy  request  with  caution  ask'd, 
Obtain  :  though  to  recount  almighty  works, 
What  words  or  tongue  of  seraph  can  suffice, 
Or  heart  of  man  suffice  to  comprehend  ? 
Yet  what  thou  canst  attain,  which  best  may  serve 
To  glorify  the  Maker,  and  infer 
Thee  also  happier,  shalt  not  be  withheld 
Thy  hearing,  such  commission  from  above 
I  have  receiv'd,  to  answer  thy  desire 
Of  knowledge  within  bounds  ;  beyond  abstain 
To  ask,  nor  let  thine  own  inventions  hope 
Things  not  reveal'd,  which  th'  invisible  King. 
Only  omniscient,  hath  suppress'd  in  night, 
To  none  communicable  in  earth  or  heav'n : 
Enough  is  left  besides  to  search  and  know. 
But  knowledge  is  as  food,  and  needs  no  less 
Her  temp'rance  over  appetite,  to  know 
In  measure  what  the  mind  may  well  contain ; 
Oppresses  else  with  surfeit,  and  soon  turns 
Wisdom  to  folly,  as  nourishment  to  wind. 
Know  then,  that  after  Lucifer  from  heav'n 
(So  call  him,  brighter  once  amidst  the  host 
Of  angels,  than  that  star  the  stars  among,) 
Fell  with  his  flaming  legions  through  the  deep 
Into  his  place,  and  the  great  Son  return'd 
Victorious  with  his  saints,  th'  omnipotent 
Eternal  Father  from  his  throne  beheld 
Their  multitude,  and  to  his  Son  thus  spake : 

At  last  our  envious  foe  hath  fail'd,  who  thoughtj 
All  like  himself  rebellious,  by  whose  aid 
This  innaccessible  high  strength,  the  seat 
Of  Deity  supreme,  us  dispossess'd, 


BOOK  VU.]  PARADISE  LOST.  177 

He  trusted  to  have  seiz'd,  and  into  fraud 

Drew  many,  whom  their  place  knows  here  no  more ; 

Yet  far  the  greater  part  have  kept,  I  see, 

Their  station,  heav'n  yet  populous  retains 

Number  sufficient  to  possess  her  realms 

Though  wide,  and  this  high  temple  to  frequent 

With  ministeries  due,  and  solemn  rites : 

But  lest  his  heart  exalt  him  in  the  harm 

Already  done,  to  have  dispeopled  heav'n, 

My  damage  fondly  deem'd,  I  can  repair 

That  detriment,  if  such  it  be  to  lose 

Self-lost,  and  in  a  moment  will  create 

Another  world,  out  of  one  man  a  race 

Of  men  innumerable,  there  to  dwell, 

Not  here,  till  by  degrees  of  merit  rais'd, 

They  open  to  themselves  at  length  the  way 

Up  hither,  under  long  obedience  try'd, 

And  earth  be  chang'd  to  heav'n,  and  heav'n  to  earth 

One  kingdom,  joy  and  union  without  end. 

Meanwhile  inhabit  lax,  ye  pow'rs  of  heav'n, 

And  thou  my  Word,  begotten  Son,  by  thee 

This  I  perform,  speak  thou,  and  be  it  done  : 

My  overshadowing  spirit  and  might  with  thee 

I  send  along;  ride  forth,  and  bid  the  deep 

Within  appointed  bounds  be  heav'n  and  earth, 

Boundless  the  deep,  because  I  am  who  fill 

Infinitude,  nor  vacuous  the  space. 

Though  I  uncircumscrib'd  myself  retire, 

And  put  not  forth  my  goodness,  which  is  free 

To  act  or  not,  necessity  and  chance 

Approach  notjne,  and  what  I  will  is  fate. 

So  spake  th'  Almighty,  and  to  what  he  spake, 
His  Word,  the  filial  Godhead,  gave  effect. 
Immediate  are  the  acts  of  God,  more  swift 
Than  time  or  motion,  but  to  human  ears 
Cannot  without  process  of  speech  be  told, 
So  told  as  earthly  notion  can  receive. 
Great  triumph  and  rejoicing  was  in  heav'n, 

such  was  heard  declar'd  th'  Almighty's  will ; 


178  PARADISE   LOST.  (BOOK   V71. 

Glory  they  sung  to  the  most  High,  good  wi\l 
To  future  men,  and  in  their  dwellings  peace : 
Glory  to  him,  whose  just  avenging  ire 
Had  driven  out  th'  ungodly  from  his  sight. 
And  th'  habitations  of  the  just ;  to  him 
Glory  and  praise,  whose  wisdom  had  ordain'd 
Good  out  of  evil  to  create,  instead 
Of  spirits  malign  a  better  race  to  bring 
Into  their  vacant  room,  and  thence  diffuse 
His  good  to  worlds  and  ages  infinite. 

So  sang  the  hierarchies  :  meanwhile  the  Son 
On  his  great  expedition  now  appear'd, 
Girt  with  omnipotence,  with  radiance  crown 'd 
Of  majesty  divine  ;  sapience  and  love 
Immense,  and  all  his  Father  in  him  shone. 
About  his  chariot  numberless  were  pour'd 
Cherub  and  seraph,  potentates  and  thrones, 
And  virtues,  wing'd  spirits,  and  chaiiots  winsr'd 
From  th'  armoury  of  God,  where  stand  of  old 
Myriads  between  two  brazen  mountains  lodg'd 
Against  a  solemn  day,  harness'd  at  hand, 
Celestial  equipage;  and  now  came  forth 
Spontaneous,  for  within  them  spirits  liv'd, 
Attendant  on  their  Lord :  heav'n  open'd  wide 
Her  ever-during  gates,  harmonious  sound 
On  golden  hinges  moving,  to  let  forth 
The  King  of  Glory  in  his  pow'rful  word 
And  spirit  coming  to  create  new  worlds. 
On  heav'nly  ground  they  stood,  and  from  the  shore 
They  view'd  the  vast  immeasurable  abyss, 
Outrageous  as  a  sea,  dark,  wasteful,  wild, 
Up  from  the  bottom  turn'd  by  furious  winds 
And  surging  waves,  as  mountains,  to  assault 
Heav'n's  height,  and  with  the  centre  mix  the  polo. 
Silence,  ye  troubled  waves,  and  thou  deep,  peace, 
Said  then  th'  omnific  Word,  your  discord  end  : 
Nor  stay'd,  but  on  the  wings  of  cherubim 
Uplifted,  in  paternal  glory  rode 
Far  into  Chaos,  and  the  world  unborn , 


HOOK    VII.]  PARADISK  LOST.  179 

For  Chaos  heard  his  voice  :  him  all  his  train 
Follow'd  in  bright  procession  to  behold 
Creation,  and  the  wonders  of  his  might. 
Then  stay'd  the  fervid  wheels,  and  in  his  hand 
He  took  the  golden  compasses,  prepar'd 
In  God's  eternal  store,  to  circumscribe 
This  universe,  and  all  created  things : 
One  foot  he  centred,  and  the  other  turn'd 
Round  through  the  vast  profundity  obscure, 
And  said  Thus  far  extend,  thus  far  thy  bounds, 
This  be  thy  just  circumference,  O  world ; 
Thus  God  the  heav'n  created,  thus  the  earth, 
Matter  unform'd  and  void  ;  darkness  profound 
Cover'd  th'  abyss :  but  on  the  wat'ry  calm 
His  brooding  wings  the  spirit  of  God  outspread, 
And  vital  virtue  infus'd,  and  vital  warmth 
Throughout  the  fluid  mass,  but  downward  purg'd 
The  black  tartareous  cold,  infernal  dregs 
Adverse  to  life  :   then  founded,  then  conglob'd 
Like  things  to  like,  the  rest  to  several  place 
Disparted,  and  between  spun  out  the  air, 
And  earth  self-balanc'd  on  her  centre  hung. 

Let  there  be  light,  said  God,  and  forthwith  light 
Etherial  first,  of  things,  quintessence  pure, 
Sprung  from  the  deep,  and  from  her  native  east 
To  journey  the  airy  gloom  began, 
Spher'd  in  a  radient  cloud,  fcr  yet  the  sun 
Was  not ;  she  in  a  cloudy  tabernacle 
Sojourn'd  the  while.     God  saw  the  light  was  good ; 
And  light  from  darkness  by  the  hemisphere 
Divided :  light  the  day,  and  darkness,  night 
He  nam'd.     Thus  was  the  first  day  ev'n  and  morn , 
Nor  past  uncelebrated,  nor  unsung 
By  the  celestial  choirs,  when  orient  light 
Exhaling  first  from  darkness  they  beheld  ; 
Birth-day  of  heav'n  and  earth  ;  with  joy  and  shout 
The  hollow  universal  orb  they  fill'd, 
And  touch'd  their  golden  harps,  and  hymning  pra;s'd 


180  PARADISE  LOST.  {BOOK  Vfl. 

God  and  his  works,  Creator  him  they  sung, 
Both  when  first  evening  was,  and  when  h'rst  nior» 

Again,  God  said,  let  there  be  firmament 
Amid  the  waters,  and  let  it  divide 
The  waters  from  the  waters  :  and  God  made 
The  firmament,  expanse  of  liquid,  pure, 
Transparent,  elemental  air,  diffus'd 
In  circuit  to  the  uttermost  convex 
Of  this  great  round  :  partition  firm  and  sure, 
The  waters  underneath  from  those  above 
Dividing :  for  as  earth,  so  he  the  world 
Built  on  circumfluous  waters  calm,  in  wide 
Crystalline  ocean,  and  the  loud  misrule 
Of  Chaos  far  remov'd,  lest  fierce  extremes 
Contiguous  might  distemper  the  whole  frame  . 
And  heav'n  he  nam'd  the  firmament :  so  even 
And  morning  chorus  sung  the  second  day. 

The  earth  was  form'd,  but  in  the  womb  as  yet 
Of  waters,  embryon  immature  involved, 
Appear'd  not :  over  all  the  face  of  earth 
Main  ocean  flow'd,  not  idle,  but  with  warm 
Prolific  humour  soft'ning  all  her  globe, 
Fermented  the  great  mother  to  conceive, 
Satiate  with  genial  moisture,  when  God  said, 
Be  gather'd  now  ye  waters  under  heav'n 
Into  one  place,  and  let  dry  land  appear. 
Immediately  the  mountains  huge  appear 
Emergent,  and  their  broad  bare  backs  upheave 
Into  the  clouds,  their  tops  ascend  the  sky : 
So  high  as  heav'd  the  tumid  hills,  so  low 
Down  sunk  a  hollow  bottom  broad  and  deep, 
Capacious  bed  of  waters:  thither  they 
Hasted  with  glad  precipitance,  uproll'd 
As  drops  on  dust  conglobing  from  the  dry ; 
Part  rise  in  crystal  wall,  or  ridge  direct, 
For  haste:  such  flight  the  great  command  ijipress'd 
On  the  swift  floods  :  as  armies  at  the  call 
Of  trumpet  (for  of  armies  thou  hast  heard) 
Troop  to  their  standard,  so  the  wat'ry  throng, 


dOOK   VU.]  PARADJfE  LOST.  181 

Wave  rolling  after  wave,  where  way  they  found, 

If  steep,  with  torrent  rapture,  if  through  plain, 

Soft-ebbing;  nor  withstood  them  rock  or  hill, 

But  they,  or  under  ground,  or  circuit  wide 

With  serpent  error  vvand'ring,  found  their  way, 

And  on  the  washy  ooze  deep  channels  wore  ; 

Easy,  ere  God  had  bid  the  ground  be  dry, 

All  but  within  those  laanks,  where  rivers  now 

Stream,  and  perpetual  draw  their  humid  train. 

The  dry  land,  earth,  and  the  great  receptacle 

Of  congregated  waters  he  call'd  seas  : 

And  saw  that  it  was  good,  and  said,  Let  th'  earth 

Put  forth  the  verdant  grass,  herb  yielding  seed, 

And  fruit-tree  yielding  fruit  after  her  kind, 

Whose  seed  is  in  herself  upon  the  earth. 

He  scarce  had  said,  when  the  bare  earth,  till  then 

Desert  and  bare,  unsightly,  unadorn'd, 

Brought  forth  the  tender  grass,  whose  verdure  clad 

Her  universal  face  with  pleasant  green, 

Then  herbs  of  every  leaf,  that  sudden  flow'r'd 

Opening  their  various  colours,  and  made  gay 

Her  bosom,  smelling  sweet :  and  these  scarce  blown. 

Forth  flourish'd  thick  the  clust'ring  vine,  forth  crept 

The  smelling  gourd,  up  stood  the  corny  reed 

Embattled  in  her  field ;  and  th'  humble  shrub, 

And  bush  with  frizzled  hair  implicit ;  last 

Rose  as  in  dance  the  stately  trees,  and  spread 

Their  branches  hung  with  copious  fruit,,  or  gemm  'd 

Their  blossoms :    with   high  woods  the   hills  were 

crown'd, 

With  tufts  the  valley  and  each  fountain  side, 
With  borders  long  the  rivers  :  that  earth  now 
Seem'd  like  to  heav'n,  a  seat  where  gods  might  dwell 
Or  wander  with  delight,  and  love  to  haunt 
Her  sacred  shades  :  though  God  had  yet  not  rain'd 
Upon  the  earth,  and  man  to  till  the  ground 
None  was,  but  from  the  earth  a  dewy  mist 
Went  up  and  water'd  all  the  ground,  and  each 
Plant  of  the  field,  which  ere  it  was  in  th'  earth 
16 


182  -4KA1J1SE  LOST-  [JJOOK  VI 

God  made,  and  every  herb,  before  it  grew 

On  the  green  stem  ;  God  saw  that  it  was  good  : 

So  ev'n  and  morn  recorded  the  third  day. 

Again  the  Almighty  spake,  Let  there  be  light? 
High  in  th'  expanse  of  heaven  to  divide 
The  day  from  night ;  and  let  them  be  for  signs. 
For  seasons,  and  for  days,  and  circling  years, 
And  let  them  be  for  lights  as  I  ordain 
Their  office  in  the  firmament  of  heav'n 
To  give  light  on  the  earth  ;  and  it  was  so. 
And  God  made  two  great  lights,  great  for  +~nwr  us- 
To  man,  the  greater  to  have  rule  by  day, 
The  less  by  night  altern  :  and  made  the  .stars. 
And  set  them  in  the  firmament  of  heav'n 
T'  illuminate  the  earth,  and  rule  the  day 
In  their  vicissitude,  and  rule  the  night, 
And  light  from  darkness  to  divide.     God  saw, 
Surveying  his  great  work,  that  it  was  good : 
For  of  celestial  bodies,  first  tnc  sun 
A  mighty  sphere  he  fram'd,  unlightsome  first, 
Though  of  ethereal  mould  :  then  form'd  the  moon 
Globose,  and  every  magnitude  of  stars, 
And  sow'd  with  stars  the  heav'n  thick  as  a  field  • 
Of  light  by  far  the  greater  part  he  took, 
Transplanted  from  her  cloudy  shrine,  and  plac'd 
In  the  sun's  orb,  made  porous  to  receive 
And  drink  the  liquid  light,  firm  to  letain 
Her  gather'd  beams,  great  palace  now  of  light. 
Hither  as  to  their  fountain  other  stars 
Repairing,  in  their  golden  urns  draw  light, 
And  hence  the  morning  planet  gilds  her  horns  ; 
By  tincture  or  reflection  they  augment 
Their  small  peculiar,  though  from  human  sight 
So  far  remote,  with  diminution  seen. 
First  in  his  east  the  glorious  lamp  was  seen, 
Regent  of  day,  and  all  th'  horizon  round 
Invested  with  bright  rays,  jocund  to  run 
His  longitude  through  heav'n's  high  road ;  the  grey 
Dawn  and  the  Pleiades  before  him  danc'd, 


BOOK  VI     |  PAAAD1SE  LOS/T.  I  S3 

Shedding  sweet  influence  ;  less  bright  the  moon, 

But  opposite  in  levePd  west  was  set . 

His  mirror,  with  full  face  borrowing  her  light 

From  him,  for  other  light  she  needed  none 

In  that  aspect,  and  still  that  distance  keeps 

Till  night,  then  in  the  east  her  turn  she  shines, 

Revolv'd  on  heav'n's  great  axle,  and  her  reign 

With  thousand  lesser  lights  dividual  holds, 

With  thousand  thousands  stars,  that  then  appear'd 

Spangling  the  hemisphere  :  then  first  adorn'd 

With  their  bright  luminaries  that  set  and  rose, 

Glad  evening  and  glad  morn  crown'd  the  fourth  day. 

And  God  said,  Let  the  waters  generate 
Reptile  with  spawn  abundant,  living  soul: 
And  let  fowl  fly  above  the  earth,  with  wings 
Display'd  on  th'  open  firmament  of  heav'n. 
And  God  created  the  great  whales,  and  each 
Soul  living,  each  that  crept,  which  plenteously 
The  waters  generated  by  their  kinds, 
And  every  bird  of  wing  after  his  kind ; 
And  saw  that  it  was  good,  and  bless'd  them  saying, 
Be  fruitful,  multiply,  and  in  the  seas 
And  lakes  and  running  streams  the  waters  fill : 
And  let  the  fowl  be  multiply'd  on  th'  earth. 
Forthwith  the  sounds  and  seas,  each  creek  and  bay 
With  fry  innumerable  swarm,  and  shoals 
Of  fish  that  with  their  fins  and  shining  scales 
Glide  under  the  green  wave,  in  sculls  that  oft 
Bank  the  mid  sea:  part  single  or  with  mate 
Graze  the  sea  weed  their  pasture,  and  through  groves 
Of  coral  stray,  or  sporting  with  quick  glance 
Show  to,  the  sun  their  wav'd  coats  dropt  with  gold 
Or  in  their  pearly  shells  at  ease,  attend 
Moist  nutriment,  or  under  rocks  their  food 
In  jointed  armour  watch :  on  smooth  the  seal, 
And  bended  dolphins  play :  part  huge  of  bulk 
Wallowing  unwieldy,  enormous  in  their  gait 
Tempest  the  ocean  :  there  leviathan, 
Hugest  of  living  creatures,  on  the  deep 


184  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK     \il 

Stretch'd  like  a  promontory,  sleeps  or  swims, 
And  seems  a  moving  land,  and  at  his  gills 
Draws  in,  and  at  his  trunk  spouts  out  a  sea. 
Meanwhile  the  tepid  caves,  and  fens  and  shores 
Their  brood  as  numerous  hatch,  from  th'  egg  that  soon 
Bursting  with  kindly  rupture  forth  disclos'd 
Their  callow  young,  but  feather'd  soon  and  fledge 
They  summ'd  their  pens,*1  and  soaring  the  air  sub- 
lime 

With  clung  despis'd  the  ground,  under  a  cloud 
[n  prospect  j  there  the  eagle  and  the  stork 
On  cliffs  and  cedar  tops  their  eyries  build  : 
Part  loosely  wing  the  region,  part  more  wise 
In  common,  rang'd  in  figure,  wedge  their  ways 
Intelligent  of  seasons,  and  set  forth 
Their  airy  caravan  high  over  seas 
Flying,  and  over  lands  with  mutual  wing 
Easing  their  flight ;  steers  the  prudent  crane 
Her  annual  voyage,  borne  on  winds ;  the  air 
Floats  as  they  pass,  fann'd  with  unnumber'd  plumes 
From  branch  to  branch  the  smaller  birds  with  song 
Solac'd  the  woods,  and  spread  their  painted  wings 
Till  ev'n,  nor  then  the  solemn  nightingale 
Ceas'd  warbling,  but  all  night  tun'd  her  soft  lays  : 
Others  on  silver  lakes  and  rivers  bath'd 
Their  downy  breast ;  the  swan  with  arched  neck 
Between  her  white  wings  mantling  proudly,  rows 
Her  state  with  oary  feet ;  yet  oft  they  quit 
The  dank,  and  rising  on  stiff  pennons,  tower 
The  mid  aerial  sky  :  others  on  ground 
Walk'd  firm ;  the  crested  cock  whose  clarion  sounds 
The  silent  hours,  and  th'  other  whose  gay  train 
Adorns  him,  colour'd  with  the  florid  hue 
Of  rainbows  and  starry  eyes.     The  waters  thus 
With  fish  replenish'd,  and  the  air  with  fowl, 
Evening  and  morn  solemniz'd  the  fifth  day. 
The  sixth,  and  ol  creation  last,  arose 

"  Summ'd  their  pens  :"  had  their  quills  mature  or  full  grown 


EOOK   VII.  I  PARADISE  LOST.  1S5 

J  •»*; 

With  evening  harps  and  matin,  when  God  said, 
Let  th'  earth  bring  forth  soul  living  in  her  kind, 
Cattle  and  creeping  things,  and  beast  i/  th'  earth, 
Each  in  their  kind.     The  earth  obey'd  and  straight 
Opening  her  fertile  womb  teem'd  at  a  birth 
Innumerous  living  creatures,  perfect  forms. 
Limb'd  and  full  grown  :  out  of  the  ground  up  rose 
As  from  his  lair  the  wild  beast  where  he  wons 
In  forest  wild,  in  thicket,  brake,  or  den  ; 
Among  the  trees  in  pairs  they  rose,  they  walk'd  : 
The  cattle  in  the  fields  and  meadows  green  : 
Those  rare  and  solitary,  these  in  flocks 
Pasturing  at  once,  and  in  broad  herds  upsprung. 
The  grassy  clods  now  calv'd,  now  half  appear'd 
The  tawny  lion,  pawing  to  get  free 
His  hinder  parts,  then  springs  as  broke  from  bonds, 
And  rampant  shakes  his  brinded  mane;  the  o-'nce, 
The  libbard,  and  the  tiger,  as  the  mole 
Rising,  the  crumbled  earth  above  them  threw 
In  hillocks  :  the  swift  stag  from  under  ground 
Bore  up  his  branching  head :  scarce  from  his  mould 
Behemoth  biggest  born  of  earth  upheav'd 
His  vastness  :  fleec'd  the  flocks  and  bleating  rose 
As  plants  :  ambiguous  between  sea  and  land 
The  river  horse  and  scaly  crocodile. 
At  once  came  forth  whatever  creeps  the  ground, 
Insect  or  worm :  those  wav'd  their  limber  fans 
For  wings  and  smallest  lineaments  exact 
In  all  the  liveries  deck'd  of  summer's  pride, 
With  spots  of  gold  and  purple,  azure  and  green  : 
These  as  a  line  their  long  dimension  drew, 
Streaking  the  ground  with  sinuous  trace ;  not  all 
Minims  of  nature  ;  some  of  serpent  kind, 
Wondrous  in  length  and  corpulence,  involv'd 
Their  snaky  folds,  and  added  wings.     First  crept 
The  parsimonious  emmet,  provident 
Of  future,  in  small  room  large  heart  enclos'd, 
Pattern  of  just  equality  perhaps 
Hereafter,  join'd  in  her  popular  tribes 
1C* 


186  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  VII 

Of  commonalty  :  swarming  next  appear'd 

The  female  bee,  that  feeds  her  husband  drone 

Deliciously,  and  builds  her  waxen  cells 

With  honey  stor'd :  the  rest  are  numberless, 

And  thou  their  natures   know'st,    and   gav'st    ^heir 

names, 

Needless  to  thee  repeated  ;  nor  unknown 
The  serpent  subtlest  beast  of  all  the  field, 
Of  huge  extent  sometimes,  with  brazen  eyes 
And  hairy  mane  terrific,  though  to  thee 
Not  noxious,  but  obedient  at  thy  call. 
Now  heav'n  in  all  her  glory  shone,  and  roll'd 
Her  motions,  as  the  great  first  Mover's  hand 
First  wheel'd  their  course  ;  earth  in  her  rich  attire 
Consummate  lovely  smil'd  ;  air,  water,  earth, 
By  fowl,  fish,  beast,  was  flown,  was  swum,  was  walk 
Frequent ;  and  of  the  sixth  day  yet  remain'd  ; 
There  wanted  yet  the  master  work,  the  end 
Of  all  yet  done  ;  a  creature  who  not  prone 
And  brute  as  other  creatures,  but  endued 
With  sanctity  of  reason,  might  erect 
His  stature,  and  upright  with  front  serene 
Govern  the  rest,  self-knowing,  and  from  thence 
Magnanimous  to  correspond  with  heav'n, 
But  grateful  to  acknowledge  whence  his  good 
Descends,  thither  with  heart,  and  voice,  and  eyes 
Directed  in  devotion,  to  adore 
And  worship  God  supreme,  who  made  him  chief 
Of  all  his  works  :  therefore  th'  Omnipotent 
Eternal  Father  (for  where  is  not  he 
Present  ?)  thus  to  his  Son  audibly  spake  . 
Let  us  make  now  man  in  our  image   man 
In  our  similitude,  and  let  them  rule 
Over  the  fish  and  fowl  of  sea  and  air, 
Beast  of  the  field,  and  over  all  the  earth, 
And  every  creeping  thing  that  creeps  the  ground. 
This  said  he  form'd  thee,  Adam,  thee,  O  man, 
Dust  of  the  ground,  and  in  thy  nostrils  breath 'd 
The  breath  of  life  ;  in  his  own  image  he 


BOOK  VII. J  PARADISE  LOST.  187 

Created  thee,  in  the  image  of  God 
Express,  and  thou  becam'st  a  living  soul. 
Male  he  created  thee,  but  thy  consort 
Female  for  race ;  then  bless'd  mankind,  and  said, 
Be  fruitful,  multiply,  and  fill  the  earth, 
Subdue  it,  and  throughout  dominion  hold 
Over  fish  of  the  sea,  and  fowl  of  th'  air, 
And  every  living  thing  that  moves  on  th'  earth. 
Wherever  thus  created,  for  no  place 
Is  yet  distinct  by  name,  thence,  as  thou  know'st, 
He  brought  thee  into  this  delicious  grove, 
This  garden,  planted  with  the  trees  of  God, 
Delectable  both  to  behold  and  taste : 
And  freely  all  their  pleasant  fruit  for  food 
Gave  thee;  all  sorts  are  here  that  all  th'  earth  yields 
Variety  without  end ;  but  of  the  tree, 
Which  tasted,  works  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
Thou  may'st  not ;  in  the  day  thou  eat'st,  thou  dy'st 
Death  is  the  penalty  impos'd,  beware, 
And  govern  well  thy  appetite,  lest  Sin 
Surprise  thee,  and  her  black  attendant  Death. 
Here  finish'd  he,  and  all  that  he  had  made 
View'd,  and  behold  all  was  entirely  good ; 
So  ev'n  and  morn  accomplish'd  the  sixth  day : 
Yet  not  till  the  Creator  from  his  work 
Desisting,  though  unwearied,  up  return'd, 
Up  to  the  heav'n  of  heav'ns  his  high  abode, 
Thence  to  behold  this  new  created  world 
Th'  addition  of  his  empire,  how  it  show'd 
In  prospect  from  his  throne,  how  good,  how  fair, 
Answering  his  great  idea.     Up  he  rode 
Follow'd  with  acclamation  and  the  sound 
Symphonious  of  ten  thousand  harps  that  tun'd 
Angelic  harmonies  :  the  earth,  the  air 
Resounded,  (thou  remember'st,  for  thou  heardst,) 
The  heav'ns  and  all  the  constellations  rung, 
The  planets  in  their  station  list'ning  stood, 
While  the  bright  pomp  ascended  jubilant. 
Ooen,  ye  everlasting  gates,  they  sung. 


1S9  PARADISE  LOST.  [bOOK    71J 

Open,  ye  heav'ns,  your  living  doors ;  let  in 

The  great  Creator,  from  his  work  return'd 

Magnificent,  his  six  days  work,  a  world ; 

Open,  and  henceforth  oft ;  for  God  will  deign 

To  visit  oft  the  dwellings  of  just  men 

Delighted,  and  with  frequent  intercourse 

Thither  will  send  his  winged  messengers 

On  errands  of  supernal  grace.     So  sung 

The  glorious  train  ascending'  he  through  heav'n, 

That  open'd  wide  her  blazing  portals,  led 

To  God's  eternal  house  direct  the  way, 

A  broad  and  ample  road,  whose  dust  is  gold, 

And  pavement  stars,  as  stars  to  thee  appear, 

Seen  in  the  galaxy,  that  milky  way, 

Which  nightly  as  a  circling  zone  thou  seest 

Powder'd  with  stars.     And  now  on  earth  the  seventh 

Evening  arose  in  Eden,  for  the  sun 

Was  set,  and  twilight  from  the  east  came  on, 

Forerunning" night;  when  at  the  holy  mount 

Of  heav'n 's  high  seated  top,  th'  imperial  throne 

Of  Godhead,  fix'd  for  ever  firm  and  sure, 

The  filial  power  arriv'd,'and  sat  him  down 

With  his  great  Father,  for  he  also  went 

Invisible,  yet  stay'd  (such  privilege 

Hath  Omnipresence,)  and  the  work  ordain'd, 

Author  and  end  of  all  things,  and  from  work 

Now  resting,  bless'd  and  hallow  d  the  sev'nth  day, 

As  resting  on  that  day  from  all  his  work, 

But  not  in  silence  holy  kept ;  the  harp 

Had  work,  and  rested  not,  the  solemn  pipe, 

And  dulcimer,  all  organs  of  sweet  stop, 

All  sounds  on  fret  by  string  or  golden  wire 

Temper'd  soft  tunings,  intermix'd  with  voice 

Choral  or  unison ;  of  incense  clouds 

Fuming  from  golden  censers  hid  the  mount. 

Creation  and  the  six  days  acts  they  sung, 

Great  are  thy  works,  Jehovah,  infinite 

Thy  pow'r ;  what  tho't  can  measure  thee  or  tongue 

Relate  thee  ?  greater  now  in  thy  return 


BOOK  VII.  I  PARADISE  LOST.  189 

Than  from  the  giant  angels ;  thee  that  day 
Thy  thunders  magnified  ;  but  to  create 
Is  greater  than  created  to  destroy. 
Who  can  impair  thee,  mighty  King,  or  bound 
Thy  empire  ?  easily  the  proud  attempt 
Of  spirits  apostate  and  their  counsels  vain 
Thou  hast  repell'd,  while  impiously  they  thought 
Thee  to  diminish,  and  from  thee  withdraw 
The  number  of  thy  worshippers.     Who  seeks 
To  lessen  thee,  against  his  purpose  serves 
To  manifest  the  more  thy  might :  his  evil 
Thou  usest,  and  from  thence  creat'st  more  good. 
Witness  this  new-made  world,  another  heav'n 
From  heav'n  gate  not  far,  founded  in  view 
On  the  clear  hyaline,  the  glassy  sea ; 
Of  amplitude  almost  immense,  with  stars 
Numerous,  and  every  star  perhaps  a  world 
Of  destin'd  habitation ;  but  thou  know'st 
Their  seasons  ;  among  these  the  seat  of  men, 
Earth  with  her  nether  ocean  circumfus'd, 
Their  pleasant  dwelling-place,     Thrice  happy  men, 
And  sons  of  men,  whom  God  hath  thus  advanc'd. 
Created  in  his  image,  there  to  dwell . 
And  worship  him,  and  in  reward  to  rule 
Over  his  works  on  earth,  in  sea,  or  air, 
Arid  multiply  a  race  of  worshippers 
Holy  and  just :  thrice  happy  if  they  know 
Their  happiness,  and  persevere  upright. 
So  sung  they,  and  the  empyrean  rung 
With  hallelujahs  :  Thus  was  sabbath  kept. 
And  thy  request  think  now  fulfill'd  that  ask'd 
How  first  this  world  and  face  of  things  began, 
And  what  before  thy  memory  was  done 
From  the  beginning,  that  posterity 
Inform'd  by  thee  might  know  ;  if  else  thou  seekVt 
Ought,  not  surpassing  human  measure,  say  ! 

KND  OF  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK. 


THE 

EIGHTH  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE   LOST. 


ARGUMENT. 


ADAM  inquires  concerning  celestial  motions,  is  doubtfully  answer- 
ed, and  exhorted  to  search  rather  things  more  worthy  of  know- 
ledge :  Adam  assents,  and  still  desirous  to  detain  Raphael,  relates 
to  him  what  he  remembered  since  his  own  creation,  his  placing  in 
Paradise,  his  talk  with  God  concerning  solitude  and  fit  society. 
his  first  meeting  and  nuptials  with  Eve,  his  discourse  with  toa 
angel  thereupon :  who  after  admonitions  repeated,  departs. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK   VIII. 

THE  angel  ended,  and  in  Adam's  ear 
So  charming  left  his  voice,  that  he  awhile 
Thought  him  sail  speaking,  still  stood  fixt  to  hear 
Then  as  new  wak'd  thus  gratefully  reply'd : 

What  thanks  sufficient,  or  what  recompense 
Equal  have  I  to  render  thee,  divine 
Historian,  who  thus  largely  hast  allay'd 
The  thirst  I  had  of  knowledge,  and  vouchsaf'd 
This  friendly  condescension  to  relate 
Things  else  by  me  unsearchable,  now  heard 
With  wonder,  but  delight,  and,  as  is  due, 
With  glory  attributed  to  the  high 
Creator  ?  something  yet  of  doubt  remains, 
Which  only  thy  solution  can  resolve. 
When  I  behold  this  goodly  frame,  this  world 
Of  heav'n  and  earth  consisting,  and  compute 
Their  magnitudes,  this  earth,  a  spot,  a  grain, 
An  atom,  with  the  firmament  compar'd 
And  all  her  number'd  stars,  that  seem  to  roll 
Spaces  incomprehensible  (for  such 
Their  distance  argues  and  their  swift  return 
Diurnal,)  merely  to  officiate  light 
Round  this  opacious  earth,  this  punctual  spot,* 

*  "  This  punctual  spot :"  no  bigger  than  a  point 

r 


194  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  VIM 

One  day  and  night,  in  all  their  vast  survey 
Useless  besides  ;  reasoning,  I  oft  admire 
How  nature  wise  and  frugal,  could  commit 
Such  disproportions,  with  superfluous  hand 
So  many  nobler  bodies  to  create, 
Greater  so  manifold  to  this  one  use, 
For  ought  appears,  and  on  their  orbs  impose 
Such  restless  revolution  day  by  day 
Repeated,  while  the  sedentary  earth, 
That  better  might  with  far  less  compass  move, 
Serv'd  by  more  noble  than  herself,  attains 
Her  end  without  least  motion,  and  receives, 
As  tribute,  such  a  sumless  journey  brought 
Of  incornoreal  speed,  her  warmth  and  light ; 
Speed,  to  describe  whose  swiftness  number  fails. 

So  sp?ke  our  sire,  and  by  his  count'nance  seem'd 
Ent'ring  oe  studious  thoughts  abstruse,  which  Eve 
Perceiving  where  she  sat  retir'd  in  sight, 
With  lowliness  majestic  from  her  seat, 
And  grace  that  won  who  saw  to  wish  her  stay. 
Rose,  and  wen*  forth  among  her  fruits  and  flow'r-» 
To  visit  how  they  p>-osper'd,  bud  and  bloom, 
Her  nursery  :  they  at  her  coming  sprung, 
And  touch'd  by  her  fair  tendance  gladlier  grew. 
Yet  went  she  not,  a?  not  with  such  discourse 
Delighted,  or  not  capable  her  ear 
Of  what  was  high :  sucK  pleasure  she  reserv'd. 
Adam  relating,  she  sole  anditress  : 
Her  husband  the  relator  slw  preferr'd 
Before  the  angel,  and  of  him  tp  ask 
Chose  rather;  he,  she  knew,  would  intermix 
Grateful  digressions,  and  solve  h»gh  dispute 
With  conjugal  caresses;  from  his  Up 
Not  words  alone  pleas'd  her.     O  wb^p  meet  n<-° 
Such  pairs,  in  love  and  mutual  honour  join'd  V 
With  goddess-like  demeanour  forth  she  went 
Not  unattended,  for  on  her  as  queen 
A  pomp  of  winning  graces  waited  still, 
And  from  about  her  shot  darts  of  desire 


BOOK  VlU.j  PARADISE  LOST.  195 

Into  all  eyes  to  wish  her  still  in  sight. 
And  Raphael  now  to  Adam  doubt  propos'd 
Benevolent  and  facile  thus  reply'd  : 

To  ask  or  search  I  blame  thee  not,  for  heav'n 
Is  as  the  book  of  God  before  thee  set 
Wherein  to  read  his  wondrous  works,  and  learn 
His  seasons,  hours,  or  days,  or  months,  or  years  • 
This  to  attain,  whether  heav'n  move,  or  earth, 
Imports  not,  if  thou  reckon  right ;  the  rest 
From  man  or  angel  the  great  Architect 
Did  wisely  to  conceal,  and  not  divulge 
His  secrets  to  be  scann'd  by  them  who  ought 
Rather  admire ;  or  if  they  list  to  try 
Conjecture,  he  his  fabric  of  the  heav'ns 
Hath  left  to  their  disputes,  perhaps  to  move 
His  laughter  at  their  quaint  opinions  wide. 
Hereafter,  when  .they  come  to  model  heav'n 
And  calculate  the  stars,  how  they  will  wield 
The  mighty  frame,  how  build,  unbuild,  contrive 
To  save  appearances,  how  gird  the  sphere 
With  centric  and  eccentric  scribbled  o'er, 
Cycle  and  epicle,  orb  in  orb : 
Already  by  thy  reasoning  this  I  guess, 
Who  art  to  lead  thy  offspring,  and  supposest 
That  bodies  bright  and  greater  should  not  serve 
The  less  not  bright,  nor  heav'n  such  journeys  run, 
Earth  sitting  still,  when  she  alone  receives 
The  benefit :  consider  first,  that  great 
Or  bright  infers  not  excellence :  the  earth 
Though,  in  comparison  of  heav'n,  so  small, 
Nor  glist'ring,  may  of  solid  good  contain 
More  plenty  than  the  sun  that  barren  shines, 
Whose  virtue  on  itself  works  no  effect, 
But  in  the  fruitful  earth  ;  there  first  receiv'd 
His  beams,  unactive  else,  their  vigour  find. 
Yet  not  to  earth  are  those  bright  luminaries 
Officious,  but  to  thee,  earth's  habitant. 
And  for  the  heav'n's  wide  .circuit,  let  it  speak 
The  Maker's  high  magnificence,  who  built 


196  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   VIU. 

So  spacious,  and  his  line  stretch'd  out  so  far ; 

That  man  may  know  he  dwells  not  in  his  own  ; 

An  edifice  too  large  for  him  to  fill, 

Lodg'd  in  a  small  partition,  and  the  rest 

Ordain'd  for  uses  to  his  Lord  best  known. 

The  swiftness  of  those  circles  attribute, 

Though  numberless,  to  his  omnipotence 

That  to  corporeal  substances  could  add 

Speed  almost  spiritual ;  me  thou  think'st  not  slow, 

Who  since  the  morning  hour  set  out  from  heav'n 

Where  God  resides,  and  ere  mid-day  arriv'd 

In  Eden,  distance  inexpressible 

By  numbers  that  have  name.     But  this  I  urge, 

Admitting  motion  in  the  heav'ns,  to  show, 

Invalid  that  which  thee  to  doubt  is  mov'd : 

Not  that  I  so  affirm,  though  so  it  seem 

To  thee  who  hast  thy  dwelling  here  on  earth. 

God  to  remove  his  ways  from  human  sense, 

Plac'd  heav'n  from  earth  so  far,  that  earthly  sight. 

If  it  presume,  might  err  in  things  too  high, 

And  no  advantage  gain.     What  if  the  sun 

Be  centre  to  the  world,  and  other  stars 

By  his  attractive  virtue  and  their  own 

Incited,  dance  about  him  various  rounds  ? 

Their  wand'ring  course  now  high,  now  low,  then  hid 

Progressive,  retrogade,  or  standing  still, 

In  six  thou  seest,  and  what  if  sev'nth  to  these 

The  planet  earth,  so  steadfast  though  she  seem, 

Insensibly  three  different  motions  move  ? 

Which  else  to  several  spheres  thou  must  ascribe, 

Mov'd  contrary  with  thwart  obliquities, 

Or  save  the  sun  his  labour,  and  that  swift 

Nocturnal  and  diurnal  rhomb  suppos'd, 

Invisible  else  above  all  stars,  the  wheel 

Of  day  and  night ;  which  needs  not  thy  belief 

If  earth  industrious  of  herself  fetch  day 

Travelling  east,  and  with  her  part  averse 

From  the  sun's  beam  meet  night,  her  other  pan 

Still  luminous  by  his  ray.     What  if  that  light 


BOOK  VIII.]  PARADISE  LOST.  197 

Sent  from  her  through  the  wide  transpicuous  air. 
To  the  terrestrial  moon  be  as  a  star 
Enlight'ning  her  by  day,  as  she  by  night 
This  earth  ?  reciprocal,  if  land  be  there. 
Fields  and  inhabitants  ;  her  spots  thou  seest 
As  clouds,  and  clouds  may  rain,  and  rain  produce 
Fruits  in  her  soften'd  soil,  for  some  to  eat 
Allotted  there  :  and  other  suns  perhaps 
With  their  attendant  moons  thou  wilt  descry, 
Communicating  male  and  female  light, 
Which  two  great  sexes  animate  the  world, 
Stor'd  in  each  orb  perhaps  with  some  that  live. 
For  such  vast  room  in  nature  unpossess'd 
By  living  soul,  desert  and  desolate, 
Only  to  shine,  yet  scarce  to  contribute 
Each  orb  a  glimpse  of  light,  convey'd  so  far 
Down  to  this  habitable,  which  returns 
Light  back  to  them,  is  obvious  to  dispute. 
But  whether  thus  these  things,  or  whether  not, 
Whether  the  sun  predominant  in  heav'n, 
Rise  on  the  earth,  or  earth  rise  on  the  sun, 
He  from  the  east  his  flaming  road  begin,_ 
Or  she  from  west  her  silent  course  advance 
With  inoffensive  pace  that  spinning  sleeps 
On  her  soft  axle,  while  she  paces  even, 
And  bears  thee  soft  with  the  smooth  air  along, 
Solicit  not  thy  thoughts  with  matters  hid, 
Leave  thorn  to  God  above,  him  serve  and  fear  ; 
Of  other  creatures,  as  him  pleases  best, 
Wherever  plac'd,  let  him  dispose  :  joy  thou 
In  what  he  gives  to  thee,  this  Paradise 
And  thy  fair  Eve  ;  heav'n  is  for  thee  too  high 
To  know  what  passes  there  ;  be  lowly  wise : 
Think  only  what  concerns  thee  and  thy  being ; 
Dream  not  of  other  worlds,  what  creatures  there  - 
Live,  in  what  state,  condition  or  degree, 
Contented  that  thus  far  hath  been  reveal'd 
Not  of  earth  only,  but  of  highest  heav'n. 
17* 


198  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  VTII 

To  whom  thus  Adam,  clear'd  of  doubt,  reply'd : 
How  fully  hast  thou  satisfy'd  me,  pure 
Intelligence  of  heav'n,  angel  serene, 
And  freed  from  intricacies,  taught  to  live 
The  easiest  way,  nor  with  perplexing  thoughts 
To  interrupt  the  sweet  of  life,  from  which 
God  hath  bid  dwell  far  off  all  anxious  cares, 
And  not  molest  us,  unless  we  ourselves 
Seek  them  with  wand'ring  tho'ts,  and  notions  vain. 
But  apt  the  mind  or  fancy  is  to  rove 
Unchecked,  and  of  her  roving  is  no  end ; 
Till  warn'd  or  by  experience  taught,  she  learn, 
That  not  to  know  at  large  of  things  remote 
From  use,  obscure  and  subtle,  but  to  know 
That  which  before  us  lies  in  daily  life, 
Is  the  prime  wisdom;  what  is  more,  is  fume, 
Or  emptiness,  or  fond  impertinence, 
And  renders  us  in  things  that  most  concern 
Unpractis'd,  unprepar'd,  and  still  to  seek. 
Therefore  from  this  high  pitch  let  us  descend 
A  lower  flight,  and  speak  of  things  at  hand 
Useful,  whence  haply  mention  may  arise 
Of  something  not  unseasonable  to  ask 
By  sufferance,  and  thy  wonted  favour  deign'd. 
Thee  have  I  heard  relating  what  was  done 
Ere  my  remembrance :  now  hear  me  relate 
My  story,  which  perhaps  thou  hast  not  heard  ; 
And  day  is  not  yet  spent ;  till  then  thou  seest 
How  subtly  to  detain  thee  I  devise, 
Inviting  thee  to  hear  while  I  relate, 
Fond,  where  it  not  in  hope  of  thy  reply : 
For  while  I  sit  with  thee,  I  seem  in  heav'n, 
And  sweeter  thy  discourse  is  to  my  ear 
Than  fruits  of  palm-tree,  pleasantest  to  thirst 
And  hunger  both,  from  labour,  at  the  hour 
Of  sweet  repast ;  they  satiate,  and  soon  fill 
Though  pleasant,  but  thy  words  with  grace  divine 
Imbued,  bring  to  their  sweetness  no  satiety. 


BOOK   VIII.]  PARADISE  LOST.  199 

To  whom  thus  Raphael  answer'd  heav'nly  meek  •. 
Nor  are  thy  lips  ungrateful,  sire  of  men, 
Nor  tongue  ineloquent ;  for  God  on  thee 
Abundantly  his  gifts  hath  also  pour'd, 
[nward  and  outward  both,  his  image  fair : 
Speaking,  or  mute,  all  comeliness  and  grace 
Attends  thee,  and  each  word,  each  motion  forms  ; 
Nor  less  think  we  in  heav'n,  of  thee  on  earth 
Than  of  our  fellow-servant,  and  inquire 
Gladly  into  the  ways  of  God  with  man  : 
For  God  we  see  hath  honour'd  thee,  and  set 
On  man  his  equal  love  :  say  therefore  on : 
For  I  that  day  was  absent,  as  befel, 
Bound  on  a  voyage  uncouth  and  obscure, 
Far  on  excursion  toward  the  gates  of  hell ; 
Squar'd  in  full  legion  (such  command  we  hail) 
To  see  that  none  thence  issued  forth  a  spy, 
Or  enemy,  while  God  was  in  his  wo  k, 
Lest  he  incens'd  at  such  eruption  bo.  I, 
Destruction  with  creation  might  have  mix'd . 
Not  that  they  durst  without  his  leave  ittempt, 
But  us  he  sends  upon  his  high  behests 
For  state,  as  Sov'reign  King,  and  to  in  re 
Our  prompt  obedience.     Fast  we  found   fast  shut 
The  dismal  gates,  and  barricado'd  strong  ; 
But  long  ere  our  approaching,  heard  wii  ;in 
Noise,  other  than  the  sound  of  dance  or  p^ng, 
Torment,  and  loud  lament,  and  furious  ra^e. 
Glad  we  return'd  up  to  the  coast  of  light 
Ere  sabbath  evening :  so  we  had  in  charge. 
But  thy  relation  now ;  for  I  attend, 
Pleas'd  with  thy  words  no  less  than  thou   vith  mine. 

So  spake  the  God-like  pow'r,  and  thu?  our  sire.: 
For  man  to  tell  how  human  life  began 
Is  hard  ;  for  who  himself  beginning  kne  •>  ? 
Desire  with  thee  still  longer  to  converse 
Induc'd  me.     As  new  wak'd  from  sound  «t  sleep. 
Soft  on  the  flow'ry  herb  I  found  me  laid 
In  balmy  sweat,  which  with  his  beams  th  ?  sun 


200  PARADISE  LOST.  [COOK  VIII. 

Soon  dry'd,  and  on  the  reeking  moisture  fed. 
Straight  toward  heav'n  my  wond'ring  eyes  I  turn'd 
And  gaz'd  awhile  the  ample  sky,  till  rais'd 
By  quick  instinctive  motion  up  I  sprung, 
As  thitherward  endeavouring,  and  upright 
Stood  on  my  feet ;  about  me  round  I  saw 
Hill,  dale,  and  shady  woods,  and  sunny  plains, 
And  liquid  lapse  of  murm'ring  streams  :  by  these, 
Creatures  that  liv'd  and  mov'd,  and  walk'd,  or  flew, 
Birds  on  the  branches  warbling ;  all  things  smil'd 
With  fragrance,  and  with  joy  my  heart  o'erflow'd. 
Myself  I  then  perus'd,  and  limb  by  limb 
Survey'd,  and  sometimes  went,  and  sometimes  ran 
With  supple  joints,  as  lively  vigour  led  : 
But  who  I  was,  or  where,  or  from  what  cause, 
Knew  not ;  to  speak  I  try'd,  and  forthwith  spake  . 
My  tongue  obey'd,  and  readily  could  name 
Whate'er  I  saw.     Thou  Sun,  said  I,  fair  light, 
And  thou  enlighten'd  earth,  so  fresh  and  gay, 
Ye  hills  and  dales,  ye  rivers,  woods,  and  plains, 
And  ye  that  live  and  move,  fair  creatures,  tell, 
Tell,  if  ye  saw,  how  came  I  thus,  how  here  ? 
Not  of  myself;  by  some  great  Maker  then, 
In  goodness  and  in  pow'r  pre-eminent ; 
Tell  me,  how  may  I  know  him,  how  adore, 
From  whom  I  have  that  thus  I  move  and  live, 
And  feel  that  I  am  happier  than  I  know. 
While  thus  I  call'd,  and  stray'd  I  knew  not  whither 
From  where  I  first  drew  air,  and  first  beheld 
This  happy  light,  when  answer  none  return'd, 
On  a  green  shady  bank  profuse  of  flowers, 
Pensive  I  sat  me  down ;  there  gentle  sleep 
First  found  me,  and  with  soft  oppression  seiz'd 
My  drowsed  sense,  untroubled,  though  I  thought 
I  then  was  passing  to  my  former  state 
Insensible,  and  forthwith  to  dissolve  : 
When  suddenly  stood  at  my  head  a  dream, 
Whose  inward  apparition  gently  mov'd 
My  fancy  to  belieA'e  I  yet  had  being, 


BOOK  VIII. ]  PARADISE  LOST.  201 

And  liv'd  :  one  came,  methought,  of  shap(  divine, 

And  said,  Thy  mansion  wants  thee,  Adam,  rise, 

First  man,  of  men  innumerable  ordain'd 

First  father,  call'd  by  thee  I  come  thy  guide 

To  the  garden  of  bliss,  thy  seat  prepar'd. 

So  saying,  by  the  hand  he  took  me  rais'd, 

And  over  fields  and  waters,  as  in  air 

Smooth  sliding  without  step,  last  led  me  up 

A  woody  mountain,  whose  high  top  was  plain  ; 

A  circuit  wide,  enclos'd,  with  goodliest  trees 

Planted,  with  walks,  and  bow'rs,  that  what  I  saw 

Of  earth  before  scarce  pleasant  seem'd.     Each  tree 

Loaden  with  fairest  fruit,  that  hung  to  th'  eye 

Tempting,  stirr'd  in  me  sudden  appetite 

To  pluck  and  eat ;  whereat  I  wak'd,  and  found 

Before  mine  eyes  all  real,  as  the  dream 

Had  lively  shadow'd  :  here  had  new  begun 

My  wand'ring,  had  not  he  who  was  my  guide 

Up  hither,  from  among  the  trees  appear 'd, 

Presence  divine.     Rejoicing,  but  with  awe 

In  adoration  at  his  feet  I  fell 

Submiss :    he  rear'd  me,  and  Whom  thou  sought'st 

I  am, 

Said  mildly,  Author  of  all  this  thou  seest 
Above,  or  round  about  thee,  or  beneath. 
This  Paradise  I  give  thee,  count  it  thine 
To  till  and  keep,  and  of  the  fruit  to  eat : 
Of  every  tree  that  in  the  garden  grows 
Eat  freely  with  glad  heart ;  fear  here  no  dearth : 
But  of  the  tree  whose  operation  brings 
Knowledge  of  good  and  ill,  which  I  have  set 
The  pledge  of  thy  obedience  and  thy  faith, 
Amid  the  garden  by  the  tree  of  life, 
Remember  what  I  warn  thee,  shun  to  taste, 
And  shun  the  bitter  consequence  :  for  know, 
The  day  thou  eat'st  thereof,  my  sole  command 
Transgress'd,  inevitably  thou  shall  die, 
From  that  day  mortal,  and  this  happy  state 
Shalt  lose,  expell'd  from  hence  into  a  world 


202  PARADISK  LOST.  [BOOK  VTH. 

Of  wo  and  sorrow.     Sternly  he  pronounc'd 
The  rigid  interdiction,  which  resounds 
Yet  dreadful  in  mine  ear,  though  in  my  choice 
Not  to  incur  :  but  soon  his  clear  aspect 
Return'd,  and  gracious  purpose  thus  renew'd  : 
Not  only  these  fair  bounds,  but  all  the  earth 
To  thee  and  to  thy  race  I  give ;  as  lords 
Possess  it,  and  all  things  that  therein  live, 
Or  live  in  sea,  or  air,  beast,  fish,  and  fowl. 
In  sign  whereof  each  bird  and  beast  behold 
After  their  kind  ;  I  bring  them  to  receive 
From  thee  their  names  ;  and  pay  thee  fealty 
With  low  subjection,  understand  the  same 
Of  fish  within  their  wat'ry  residence, 
Not  hither  summon'd,  since  they  cannot  change 
Their  element  to  draw  the  thinner  air. 
As  thus  he  spake,  each  bird  and  beast  behold 
Approaching  two  and  two,  these  cow'ring  low 
With  blandishment,  each  bird  stoop'd  on  his  wi 
I  nam'd  them,  as  they  pass 'd,  and  understood 
Their  nature,  with  such  knowledge  God  endued 
My  sudden  apprehension  :  but  in  these 
I  found  not  what  methought  I  wanted  still  ; 
And  to  the  heav'nly  vision  thus  presum'd : 

O  by  what  name,  for  thou  above  all  these, 
Above  mankind,  or  ought  than  mankind  higher 
Surpasses!  far  my  naming,  how  may  I 
Adore  thee,  Author  of  this  univej;;e, 
And  all  this  good  to  man  ?  lor  whose  well  bein/ 
So  amply,  and  with  hands  so  liberal 
Thou  hast  provided  all  things :  but  with  me 
I  see  not  who  partakes.     In  solitude 
What  happiness,  who  can  enjoy  alone, 
Or  all  enjoying,  what  contentment  find? 
Thus  I  presumptuous  ;  and  the  vision  bright, 
As  with  a  smile  more  brighten'd,  thus  reply'd  : 

What  call'st  thou  solitude  ?  is  not  the  earth 
With  various  living  creatures,  and  the  air 
Replenish'd,  and  all  these  at  thy  command 


ROOK   ''III.J  PARADISE   tO&    .  203 

To  come  and  play  befone  thee  ?  kriow'st  thou  not 
Their  language  and  their  ways  ?  they  also  know. 
And  reason  not  contemptibly  ;  with  these 
Find  pastime,  and  bear  rule  ;  thy  realm  is  large. 
So  spake  the  universal  Lord,  and  seem'd 
So  ord'ring.     I  with  leave  of  speech  implor'd, 
And  humble  deprecation  thus  reply'd  : 

Let  not  my  words  offend  thee,  heav'nly  Power, . 
My  Maker,  be  propitious  while  I  speak. 
Hast  thou  not  made  me  here  thy  substitute, 
And  these  inferior  far  beneath  me  set  ? 
Among  unequals  what  society 
Can  sort,  what  harmony  or  true  delight  ? 
Which  must  be  mutual,  in  proportion  due   . 
Giv'n  and  receiv'd ;  but  in  disparity 
The  one  intense,  the  other  still  remiss 
Cannot  well  suit  with  either,  but  soon  prove 
Tedious  alike :  of  fellowship  I  speak 
Such  as  I  see,  fit  to  participate 
All  rational  delight,  wherein  the  brute 
Cannot  be  human  consort :  they  rejoice 
Each  with  their  kind,  lion  ^vith  lioness  ; 
So  fitly  them  in  pairs  thou  hast  combin'd : 
Much  less  can  bird  with  beast,  or  fish  with  fowl 
So  well  converse,  nor  with  the  ox  the  ape ; 
Worse  then  can  man  with  beast,  and  least  of  all. 

Whereto  th'  Almighty  answer 'd,  not  displeas'd  : 
A  nice  and  subtle  happiness  I  see 
Thou  to  thyself  proposest,  in  the  choice 
Of  thy  associates,  Adam,  and  wilt  taste 
No  pleasure,  though  in  pleasure,  solitary. 
What  think'st  thou  then  of  me,  and  this  my  slate  ? 
Seem  I  to  thee  sufficiently  possess'd 
Of  happiness,  or  not  ?  .who  am  alone 
From  all  eternity,  for  none  I  know 
Second  to  me  or  like,  equal  much  less. 
How  have  I  then  with  whom  to  hold  converse 
Save  with  the  creatuies  which  I  made,  and  those 


L'04  I'ARADISE   LOST.  [POOK  VI11« 

To  me  inferior,  infinite  descents 

Beneath  what  other  creatures  are  to  thee  ? 

He  ceas'd,  I  lowly  answer'd :  To  attain 
The  height  and  depth  of  thy  eternal  ways 
All  human  thoughts  come  short,  Supreme  of  thing* 
Thou  in  thyself  art  perfect,  and  in  thee 
I?  no  deficience  found  :  not  so  is  man, 
But  in  degree,  the  cause  of  his  desire 
By  conversation  with  his  like  to  help, 
Or  solace  his  defects.     No  need  that  thou 
Should'st  propagate,  already  infinite, 
And  through  all  numbers  absolute,  though  one  ; 
But  man  by  number  is  to  manifest 
His  single  imperfection,  and  beget 
Like  of  his  like,  his  image  multiply'd, 
In  unity  defective,  which  requires 
Collateral  love,  and  dearest  amity. 
Thou  in  thy  secrecy  although  alone, 
Best  with  thyself  accompanied,  seek'st  not 
Social  communication,  yet  so  pleas'd, 
Canst  raise  thy  creature  to  what  height  thou  will 
Of  union  or  communion,  deify'd  ; 
I  by  conversing  cannot  these  erect 
From  prone,  nor  in  their  ways  complacence  find 
Thus  I  embolden'd  spake,  and  freedom  us'd 
Permissive,  and  acceptance  found,  which  gain'd 
This  answer  from  the  gracious  voice  divine  : 

Thus  far  to  try  thee,  Adam,  I  was  pleas'd, 
And  find  thee  knowing  not  of  beasts  alone, 
Which  thou  has  rightly  nam'd,  but  of  thyself, 
Expressing  well  the  spirit  within  thee  free, 
My  image,  not  imparted  to  the  brute. 
Whose  fellowship  therefore  unmeet  for  thee. 
Good  reason  was  thou  freely  shouldst  dislike, 
And  be  so  minded  still;  I,  ere  thou  spak'st, 
Knew  it  not  good  for  man  to  be  alone, 
And  no  such  company  as  then  thou  saw'st 
Intended  thee,  for  trial  only  brought, 
To  sw»  how  thou  eouldst  judge  of  fit  and  ruect  • 


B'K-»K   VIII.]  PARADISE  LOST.  205 

What  next  I  bring  shall  please  thee,  be  assur'd, 
Thy  likeness,  thy  fit  help,  thy  other  self, 
Thy  wish  exactly  to  thy  heart's  desire. 

He  ended,  or  I  heard  no  more,  for  now 
My  earthly  by  his  heav'nly  over-power'd  : 
Which  it  had  long  stood  under,  strain'd  to  th'  height 
In  that  celestial  colloquy  sublime, 
As  with  an  object  that  excels  the  sense, 
Dazzled  and  spent,  sunk  down,  and  sought  re,  air 
Of  sleep,  which  instantly  fell  on  me,  call 'd 
By  nature  as  in  aid,  and  clos'd  mine  eyes. 
Mine  eyes  he  clos'd,  but  open  left  the  cell 
Of  fancy  my  internal  sight,  by  which 
Abstract  as  in  a  trance  methought,  I  saw, 
Though  sleeping,  where  I  lay,  and  saw  the  shape 
Still  glorious  before  whom  awake  I  stood ; 
Who  stooping  open'd  my  left  side,  and  took 
From  thence  a  rib,  with  cordial  spirits  warm, 
And  life-blood  streaming  fresh;  wide  was  the  wound, 
But  suddenly  with  flesh  fill'd  up  and  heal'd  : 
The  rib  he  form'd  and  fashion'd  with  his  hand  ; 
Under  his  forming  hands  a  creature  grew, 
Manlike  but  different  sex,  so  lovely  fair, 
That  what  seem'd  fair  in  all  the  world,  seem'd  now 
Mean,  or  in  her  summ'd  up,  in  her  contain'd 
And  in  her  looks,  which  from  that  time  infus'd 
Sweetness  into  my  heart,  unfelt  before, 
And  into  all  things  from  her  air  inspir'd 
The  spirit  of  love  and  amorous  delight. 
She  disappear'd,  and  left  me  dark ;  I  wak'd 
To  find  her,  or  for  ever  to  deplore 
Her  loss,  and  other  pleasures  all  abjure  : 
When  out  of  hope,  behold  her,  not  far  off, 
Such  as  I  saw  her  in  my  dream,  adorn'd 
With  what  all  earth  or  heav'n  could  bestow 
To  make  her  amiable  :  on  she  came, 
Led  by  her  heav'nly  Maker,  though  unseen. 
And  guided  by  his  voice,  nor  uninform'd 
Of  nuptial  sanctity  and  marriage  rites 
IS 


206  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  VIII. 

Grace  was  in  all  her  steps,  heav'n  in  her  eye, 
In  every  gesture  dignity  and  love. 
I  overjoy'd  could  not  forbear  aloud: 

This  turn  hath  made  amends  ;  thou  hast  fulfiPd 
Thy  words,  Creator  bounteous  and  benign, 
Giver  of  all  things  fair,  but  fairest  this 
Of  all  thy  gifts,  nor  enviest.     I  now  see 
Bone  of  my  bone,  flesh  of  my  flesh,  myself 
Before  me ;  woman  is  her  name,  of  man 
Extracted;  for  this  cause  he  shall  forego 
Father  and  mother,  and  to  his  wife  adhere 
And  they  shall  be  one  flesh,  one  heart,  ont  suui 

She  heard  me  thus,  and  though  divinely  brou^itu 
Yet  innocence  and  virgin  modesty, 
Her  virtue  and  the  conscience  of  her  worth, 
That  would  be  woo'd,  and  not  unsought  be  won, 
Not  obvious,  not  obtrusive,  but  retir'd, 
The  more  desirable,  or  to  say  all, 
Nature  herself,  though  pure  of  sinful  thought, 
Wrought,  in  her  so,  that  seeing  me,  she  turn'd ; 
I  follow'd  her,  she  what  was  honour  knew, 
And  with  obsequious  majesty  approved 
My  pleaded  reason.     To  the  nuptial  bower 
I  led  her  blushing  like  the  morn  :  all  heav'n, 
And  happy  constellations  on  that  hour 
Shed  their  selectest  influence  ;  the  earth 
Gave  sign  of  gratulation,  and  each  hill ; 
Joyous  the  birds ;  fresh  gales  and  gentle  airs 
Whisper'd  it  to  the  woods,  and  from  their  wings 
Flung  rose,  flung  odours  from  the  spicy  shrub, 
Disporting,  till  the  amorous  bird  of  night 
Sung  spousal,  and  bid  haste  the  evening  star 
On  his  hill  top,  to  light  the  bridal  harp. 

Thus  have  I  told  thee  all  my  state,  and  brought 
My  story  to  the  sum  of  earthly  bliss 
Which  I  enjoy,  and  must  confess  to  find 
In  all  things  else  delight  indeed,  but  such 
As  us'd  or  not,  works  in  the  mind  no  change, 
Nor  vehement  desire,  these  delicacies 


fiOOK  VIII.]  1'AEADISE  LOST.  207 

I  mean  of  taste,  sight,  smell,  herbs,  fruits,  and  flow'rs 

Walks,  and  the  melody  of  birds ;  but  here 

Far  otherwise,  transported  I  behold. 

Transported  touch  ;  here  passion  first  I  felt, 

Commotion  strange,  in  all  enjoyment  else 

Superior  and  unmov'd,  here  only  weak 

Against  the  charm  of  beauty's  pow'jful  glance 

Or  nature  fail'd  in  me,  and  left  some  part 

Not  proof  enough  such  object  to  sustain, 

Or  from  my  side  subducting,  took  perhaps 

More  than  enough  ;  at  least  on  her  bestow'd 

Too  much  of  ornament,  in  outward  show 

Elaborate,  of  inward  less  exact. 

For  well  I  understand  in  the  prime  end 

Of  nature  her  th'  inferior,  in  the  mind 

And  inward  faculties,  which  most  excel, 

In  outward  also  her  resembling  less 

His  image  who  made  both,  and  less  expressing 

The  character  of  that  dominion  given 

O'er  other  creatures  ;  yet  when  I  approach 

Her  loveliness,  so  absolute*  she  seems 

And  in  herself  complete,  so  well  to  know 

Her  own,  that  what  she  wills  to  do  or  say, 

Seems  wisest,  virtuousest,  discreetest,  best ; 

All  higher  knowledge  in  her  presence  falls 

Degraded,  wisdom  in  discourse  with  her 

Loses  discount'nanc'd,  and  like  folly  shows ; 

Authority  and  reason  on  her  wait, 

As  one  intended  first,  not  after  made 

Occasionally;  and  to  consummate  all, 

Greatness  of  mind  and  nobleness  their  seat 

Build  in  her  loveliest,  and  create  an  awe 

About  her  as  a  guard  angelic  plac'd. 

To  whom  the  angel  with  contracted  brow : 
Accuse  not  nature,  she  hath  done  her  part ; 
Do  thou  but  thine,  and  be  not  diffident 
Of  wisdom,  she  deserts  thee  not,  if  thou 

*  "  So  absolute  :"  finished. 


SOS  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  VIII 

Dismiss  not  her,  when  most  thou  necdst  her  nigh, 
By  attributing  overmuch  to  things 
Less  excellent,  as  thou  thyself  perceiv'st. 
For  what  admir'st  thou,  what  transports  thee  so, 
An  outside  ?  fair  no  doubt,  and  worthy  well 
Thy  cherishing,  thy  honouring,  and  thy  'ove, 
Not  thy  subjection  ;  weigh  with  her  thyself; 
Then  value  :  oft-times  nothing  profits  more 
Than  self-esteem,  grounded  on  just  and  right 
Well  manag'd  ;  of  that  skill  the  more  thou  knovv'st 
The  more  she  will  acknowledge  thee  her  head, 
And  to  realities  yield  all  her  shows : 
Made  so  adorn  for  thy  delight  the  more, 
So  awful,  that  with  honour  thou  mayst  love 
Thy  mate,  who  sees  when  thou  art  seen  least  wise. 
But  if  the  sense  of  touch  whereby  mankind 
Is  propagated  seem  such  dear  delight 
Beyond  all  other,  think  the  same  vouchsaf 'd 
To  cattle,  and  each  beast ;  which  would  not  be 
To  them  made  common  and  divulg'd,  if  ought 
Therein  enjoy 'd  were  worthy  to  subdue 
The  soul  of  man,  or  passion  in  him  move. 
What  higher  in  her  society  thou  find'st 
Attractive,  human,  rational,  love  still ; 
In  loving  thou  dost  well,  in  passion  not 
Wherein  true  love  consists  not ;  love  refines 
The  thoughts,  and  heart  enlarges,  hath  his  seal 
In  reason,  and  is  judicious,  is  the  scale 
By  which  to  heav'nly  love  thou  may'st  ascend 
Not  sunk  in  carnal  pleasure,  for  which  cause 
Among  the  beasts  no  mate  for  thee  was  found 
To  whom  thus  half  abash'd  Adam,  rcply'd  • 
Neither  her  outside  form'd  so  fair,  nor  aught 
In  procreation  common  to  all  kinds 
(Though  higher  of  the  genial  bed  by  far, 
And  with  mysterious  reverence  I  deem,) 
So  much  delights  me,  as  those  graceful  acts, 
Those  thousand  decencies  that  daily  flow 
From  all  her  words  and  actions,  mix'd  with  love 


BOOK  VIII.]  PARADISE  LOST.  209 

And  sweet  compliance,  which  declare  unfeign'd 
Union  of  mind,  or  in  us  both  one  soul; 
Harmony  to  behold  in  wedded  pair 
More  grateful  than  harmonious  sound  to  th'  ear. 
Yet  these  subject  not ;  I  to  thee  disclose 
What  inward  thence  I  feel,  not  therefore  foil'd, 
Who  meet  with  various  objects,  from  the  sense 
Variously  representing ;  yet  still  free 
Approve  the  best,  and  follow  what  I  approve. 
To  love  thou  blam'st  me  not,  for  love  thou  say'st 
Leads  up  to  heav'n,  is  both  the  way  and  guide  : 
Bear  with  me  then,  if  lawful  what  I  ask; 
Love  not  the  heav'nly  spirits,  and  how  their  love 
Express  they  ?  by  looks  only,  or  do  they  mix 
Irradiance,  virtual  or  immediate  touch  ? 

To  whom  the  angel  with  a  smile  that  glow'd 
Celestial  rosy  red,  love's  proper  hue, 
Answer'd:  Let  it  suffice  thee  that  thou  know'st 
Us  happy,  and  without  love  no  happiness. 
Whatever  pure  thou  Jn  the  body  enjoy'st 
(And  pure  thou  wert  created),  we  enjoy 
In  eminence,  and  obstacle  find  none, 
Of  membrane,  joint,  or  limb,  exclusive  bars; 
Easier  than  air  with  air,  if  spirits  embrace, 
Total  they  mix,  union  of  pure  with  pure 
Desiring;  nor  restrain'd  conveyance  need 
As  flesh  to  mix  with  flesh,  or  soul  with  soul.  -. 
But  I  can  now  no  more  ;  the  parting  sun 
Beyond  the  earth's  green  Cape  and  verdant  isles 
Hesperian  sets,  my  signal  to  depart. 
Be  strong,  live  happy,  aad  love,  but  first  of  all 
Him  whom  to  love  is  to  obey,  and  keep 
His  great  command ;  take  heed  lest  passion  sway 
Thy  judgment  to  do  aught  which  else  free  will 
Would  not  admit ;  thine  and  of  all  thy  sons 
The  weal  or  wo  in  thee  is  plac'd ;  beware. 
I  in  thy  persevering  shall  rejoice, 
And  all  the  blest :  stand  fast ;  to  stand  or  fall 
Free  in  thine  own  arbitrement  it  lies 
18* 


'210  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   VIH 

Perfect  within,  no  outward  aid  require ; 
And  all  temptation  to  transgress  repel. 

So  saying,  he  arose ;  whom  Adam  thus 
Follow'd  with  benediction.     Since  to  part, 
Go  heav'nly  guest,  ethereal  messenger, 
Sent  from  whose  sov'reign  goodness  I  adore. 
Gentle  to  me  and  affable  hath  been 
Thy  condescension,  and  shall  be  honour'd  ever 
With  grateful  memory  :  thou  to  mankind 
Be  good  and  friendly  still,  and  oft  return. 

So  parted  they,  the  Angel  up  to  heav'n 
From  the  thick  shade,  and  Adam  to  his  bower 


EKI>  OP  THfi  EIGHTH  OOOX. 


THE 

NINTH  BOOK 

or 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT. 


8 /TAN  having  compassed  the  Earth,  with  meditated  guile  returns 
as  a  mist  by  night  into  Paradise,  enters  into  the  serpent  sleeping. 
Adam  and  Eve  in  the  morning  go  forth  to  their  labours,  which 
Eve  proposes  to  divide  in  several  places,  each  labouring  apart : 
Adam  consents  not,  alleging  the  danger,  least  that  enemy,  of 
whom  they  were  forewarned,  should  attempt  her,  found  alone : 
Eve  loath  to  be  found  not  circumspect  or  firm  enough,  urges  her 
going  apart,  the  rather  desirous  to  make  trial  of  her  strength ; 
Adam  at  last  yields  :  the  serpent  finds  her  alone  ;  his  subtle  ap- 
proach, first  gazing,  then  speaking,  with  much  flattery  extolling 
Eve  above  all  other  creatures.  Eve  wondering  to  hear  the  ser- 
pent speak,  asks  how  he  attained  to  human  speech,  and  such  un- 
derstanding not  till  now ;  the  serpent  answers,  that  by  tasting  of 
a  certain  tree  in  the  garden,  he  attained  both  to  speech  and  rea- 
son, till  then  void  of  both :  Eve  requires  him  to  bring  her  to  that 
tree,  and  finds  it  to  be  the  tree  of  knowledge  forbidden  :  the  ser- 
pent now  grown  bolder,  with  many  wiles  and  arguments  induces 
her  at  length  to  eat ;  «he  pleased  with  the  taste,  deliberates 
awhile  whether  to  impart  thereof  to  Adam  or  not,  at  last  brings 
him  of  the  fruit,  relates  what  persuaded  her  to  cat  thereof: 
Adam  at  first  amazed,  but  perceiving  her  lost,  resolves  through 
vehemence  of  love  to  perish  with  her ;  and  extenuating  the 
trespass,  eats  also  of  the  fruit ;  the  effects  thereof  in  them  both  ; 
they  seek  to  cover  their  nakedness ;  then  fall  to  variance  and 
accusation  of  one  another. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK  IX. 

No  more  of  talk  where  God  or  angel  guest 

With  man,  as  with  his  friend,  familiar  us'd 

To  sit  indulgent,  and  with  him  partake 

Rural  repast,  permitting  him  the  while 

Venial  discourse  unblam'd  :  I  now  must  change 

Those  notes  to  tragic ;  foul  distrust,  and  breach 

Disloyal  on  the  part  of  man,  revolt, 

And  disobedience  ;  on  the  part  of  heav'n 

Now  alienated,  distance  and  distaste, 

Anger  and  just  rebuke,  and  judgment  given 

That  brought  into  this  world  of  wo, 

Sin  and  her  shadow  Death,  and  Misery, 

Death's  harbinger  :  sad  task,  yet  argument 

Not  less  but  more  heroic  than  the  wrath 

Of  stern  Achilles  on  his  foe  pursu'd 

Thrice  fugitive  .about  Troy  wall ;  or  rage 

Of  Turnus  for  Lavinia  disespous'd, 

Or  Neptune's  ire,  or  Juno's,  that  so  long 

Perplex'd  the  Greek  and  Cytherea's  son  • 

If  answerable  style  I  can  obtain 

Of  my  celestial  patroness,  who  deigns 

Her  nightly  visitation  unimplor'd, 

And  dictates  to  me  slumb'ring,  or  inspires 

Easy  my  unpremeditated  verse  : 

Since  first  this  subject  for  heroic  song 


214  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IX 

Pleas'd  me  long  choosing,  and  beginning  late  ; 
Not  sedulous  by  nature  to  indite 
Wars,  hitherto  the  only  argument 
Heroic  deem'd,  chief  mast'ry  to  dissect 
With  long  and  tedious  havoc  fabled  knights 
In  battles  feign'd ;  the  better  fortitude 
Of  patience  and  heroic  martyrdom 
Unsung  ;  or  to  describe  races  and  games, 
Or  tilting  furniture,  efnblazon'd  shields, 
Impresses  quaint,  caparisons  and  steeds ; 
Bases  and  tinsel  trappings,  gorgeous  knights 
At  joust  and  tournament ;  then  marshall'd  feast 
Serv'd  up  in  hall  with  sewers,  and  seneschals  ; 
The  skill  of  artifice  or  office  mean, 
Not  that  which  justly  gives  heroic  name 
To  person,  or  to  poem.    Me  of  these 
Nor  skill'd  nor  studious,  higher  argument 
Remains,  sufficient  of  itself  to  raise 
That  name,  unless  an  age  too  late,  or  cold 
Climate,  or  years  damp  my  intended  wing 
Depress'd,  and  much  they  may,  if  all  be  mine. 
Not  hers  who  brings  it  nightly  to  my  ear. 

The  sun  was  sunk,  and  after  him  the  star 
Of  Hesperus,  whose  office  is  to  bring 
Twilight  upon  the  earth,  short  arbiter 
'Twixt  day  and  night,  and  now  from  end  to  end 
Night's  hemisphere  had  veil'd  the  horizon  round 
When  Satan  who  late  fled  before  the  threats 
Of  Gabriel  out  of  Eden,  now  improv'd 
In  meditated  fraud  and  malice,  bent 
On  man's  destruction,  maugre  what  might  hap 
Of  heavier  on  himself,  fearless  return'd. 
By  night  he  fled,  and  at  midnight  return'd. 
From  compassing  the  earth,  cautious  of  days, 
Since  Uriel  regent  of  the  sun  descry 'd 
His  entrance,  and  forwarn'd  the  cherubim 
That  kept  their  watch  ;  thence  full  of  anguish  driven. 
The  space  of  sev'n  continued  nights  he  rode 
With  darkness,  thrice  the  equinoctial  line 


BOOK  IX.  J  PARADISE  LOST  215 

He  circled,  four  times  cross'd  the  car  of  mVhi 
From  pole  to  pole,  traversing  each  colure  , 
On  th'  eighth  return'd,  and  on  the  coast  averse 
From  entrance  of  cherubic  watch,  by  stealth 
Found  unsuspected  way.     There  was  a  place, 
Now  not,  though  sin,  not  time,  first  wrought  the 

change, 

Where  Tigris  at  the  foot  of  Paradise 
[nto  a  gulf  shot  under  ground,  till  part 
Rose  up  a  fountain  by  the  tree  of  life ; 
In  with  the  river  sunk,  and  with  it  rose 
Satan,  involv'd  in  rising  mist,  then  sought 
Where  to  lie  hid ;  sea  he  had  search'd  and  land 
From  Eden  over  Pontus,  and  the  pool 
Maeotis,  up  beyond  the  river  Ob  ; 
Downward  as  far  antarctic;  and  in  length 
West  from  Orontes  to  the  ocean  barr'd 
At  Darien,  thence  to  the  land  where  flows 
Ganges  and  Indus :  thus  the  orb  he  roam'd 
With  narrow  search,  and  with  inspection  deep 
Consider'd  every  creature,  which  of  all 
Most  opportune  might  serve  his  wiles,  and  found 
The  serpent  subtlest  beast  of  all  the  field. 
Him  after  long  debate,  irresolute 
Of  thoughts  revolv'd,  his  final  sentence  chose 
Fit  vessel,  fittest  imp  of  fraud,  in  whom 
To  enter,  and  his  dark  suggestions  hide 
From  sharpest  sight :  for  in  the  wily  snake, 
Whatever  sleights  none  would  suspicious  mark, 
As  from  his  wit  and  native  subtlety 
Proceeding,  which  in  other  beasts  observ'd, 
Doubt  might  beget  of  diabolic  power 
Active  within  beyond  the  sense  of  brute. 
Thus  he  resolv'd,  but  first  from  inward  grief 
His  bursting  passion  into  plaints  thus  pour'd : 
O  earth,  how  like  to  heav'n,  if  not  preferr'd 
More  justly,  seat  worthier  of  gods,  as  built 
With  second  thoughts,  reforming  what  was  old ! 
For  what  God  after  better  worse  would  build  ? 


.216  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IX. 

Terrestrial  heav'n,  danc'd  round  by  other  heav'ns 

That  shine,  yet  bear  their  bright  officious  lamps, 

Light  above  lights,  for  thee  alone,  as  seems, 

In  thee  concent'ring  all  their  precious  beams 

Of  sacred  influence  !     As  God  in  heav'n 

Is  centre,  yet  extends  to  all,  so  thou 

Cent'ring  receiv'st  from  all  those  orbs  ;  in  thee. 

Not  in  themselves,  all  their  known  virtue  appears 

Productive  in  herb,  plant,  and  nobler  birth 

Of  creatures  animate  with  gradual  life 

Of  growth,  sense,  reason,  all  summ'd  up  in  man. 

With  what  delight  could  I  have  walk'd  thee  round, 

If  I  could  joy  in  aught,  sweet  interchange 

Of  hill  and  valley,  rivers,  woods  and  plains, 

Now  land,  now  sea,  and  shores  with  forests  crown'd 

Rocks,  dens,  and  caves !  but  I  in  none  of  these 

Find  place  or  refuge  ;  and  the  more  I  see 

Pleasures  about  me,  so  much  more  T  feel 

Torment  within  me,  as  from  the  hateful  siege 

Of  contraries  ;  all  good  to  me  becomes 

Bane,  and, in  heav'n  much  worse  would  be  my  staie 

But  neither  here  seek  I,  no,  nor  in  heav'n 

To  dwell,  unless  by  mast'ring  heav'n's  Supreme : 

Nor  hope  to  be  myself  less  miserable 

By  what  I  seek,  but  others  to  make  such 

As  I,  though  thereby  worse  to  me  redound  : 

For  only  in  destroying  1  find  ease 

To  my  relentless  thoughts ;  and  him  destroy 'd, 

Or  won  to  what  may  work  his  utter  loss, 

For  whom  all  this  was  made,  all  this  will  soon 

Follow,  as  to  him  link'd  in  weal  or  wo, 

In  wo  then ;  that  destruction  wide  may  range  : 

To  me  shall  be  the  glory  sole  among 

Th'  infernal  pow'rs,  in  one  day  to  have  marr'd 

What  th'  Almighty  styl'd,  six  nights  and  days 

Continued  making,  and  who  knows  how  long 

Before  had  been  contriving,  though  perhaps 

Not  longer  than  since  I  in  one  night  freed 

From  servitude  inglorious,  well  nigh  half 


BOOh  IX.j  PARADISE  LOST.  21? 

Th'  angelic  name,  and  thinner  left  the  throng 
Of  his  adorers  ;  he  to  be  aveng'd, 
And  to  repair  his  numbers  thus  impair'd, 
Whether  such  virtue  spent  of  old  now  tail'd 
More  angels  to  create,  if  they  at  least 
Are  his  created,  or  to  spite  us  more, 
Determin'd  to  advance  into  our  room 
A  creature  form'd  of  earth,  and  him  endow, 
Exalted  from  so  base  original, 
With  heav'nly  spoils,  our  spoils,  what  he  decreed 
He  effected ;  man  he  made,  and  for  him  built 
Magnificent  this  world  and  earth  his  seat, 
Him  lord  pronounc'd  and,  O,  indignity ! 
Subjected  to  his  service  angel  wings. 
And  naming  ministers  to  watch  and  tend 
Their  earthly  charge  :  of  these  the  vigilance 
I  dread,  and  to  elude,  thus  wrapt  in  mist 
Of  midnight  vapour  glide  obscure,  and  pry 
In  every  bush  and  brake,  where  hap  may  find 
The  serpent  sleeping  in  whose  mazy  folds 
To  hide  me,  and  the  dark  intent  I  bring. 
O  foul  descent !  that  I  who  erst  contended 
With  gods  to  sit  the  highest,  am  now  constrain'd 
Into  a  beast,  arid  mix'd  with  bestial  slime 
This  essence  to  incarnate  and  imbrute, 
That  to  the  height  of  deity  aspir'd ; 
But  what  will  not  ambition  and  revenge 
Descend  to  ?  who  aspires  must  down  as  low 
As  high  he  soar'd,  obnoxious  first  or  last 
To  basest  things.     Revenge,  at  first  though  sweet, 
Bitter  ere  long  back  on  itself  recoils  ; 
Let  it ;  I  reck  not,  so  it  light  well  aim'd, 
Since  higher  I  fall  short,  on  him  who  next 
Provokes  my  envy,  this  new  favourite 
Of  heav'n,  this  man  of  clay,  son  of  despite, 
Whom  us  the  more  to  spite  his  Maker  rais'd 
From  dust:  spite  then  with  spite  is  best  repaid. 
So  saying,  through  each  thicket  dank  or  dry, 
Like  a  black  mist  low  creeping,  he  held  on 


218  PARADISE   LOST.  |  BlJJK  .  TL. 

His  midnight  search,  where  soonest  he  might  find 

The  serpent;  him  fast  sleeping  soon  he  found 

In  labyrinth  of  many  a  round  self-roll'd, 

His  head  the  midst,  well  stor'd  with  subtle  wilt-s: 

Not  vet  in  horrid  shade  or  dismal  den, 

Nor  nocent  yet,  but  on  the  grassy  herb 

Fearless  unfear'd  he  slept :  in  at  his  mouth 

The  devil  enter'd,  and  his  brutal  sense, 

In  heart  or  head,  possessing  soon  inspir'd 

With  act  intelligential ;  but  his  sleep 

Disturb'd  not,  waiting  close  the  approach  of  morn. 

.Now  when  as  sacred  light  began  to  dawn 
In  Eden  on  the  humid  flow'rs,  that  breath'd 
Their  morning  incense,  when  all  things  that  breathe 
From  th'  earth's  great  altar  send  up  silent  praise 
To  the  Creator,  and  his  nostrils  fill 
With  grateful  smell,  forth  came  the  human  pair, 
And  join'd  their  vocal  worship  to  the  choir 
Of  creatures  wanting  voice  ;  that  done,  partake 
The  season,  prime  for  sweetest  scents  and  airs ; 
Then  commune  how  that  day  they  best  may  ply 
Their  growing  work  :  for  much  their  work  outgrew 
The  hands  despatch  of  two  gard'ning  so  wide, 
And  Eve  first  to  her  husband  thus  began  : 
Adam,  well  may  we  labour,  still  to  dress 
This  garden,,  still  to  tend  plant,  herb  and  flower, 
Our  pleasant  task  enjoin'd,  but  till  more  hands 
Aid  us,  the  work  under  our  labour  grows, 
Luxurious  by  restraint ;  what  we  by  day 
Lop  overgrown,  or  prune,  or  prop,  or  bind, 
One  night  or  two  with  wanton  growth  derides 
Tending  to  wild.     Thou  therefore  now  advise, 
Or  bear  what  to  my  mind  first  thoughts  present : 
Let  us  divide  our  labours,  thou  where  choice 
Leads  thee,  or  where  most  needs,  whether  to  wind 
The  woodbine  round  this  arbour,  or  direct 
The  clasping  ivy  where  to  climb,  while  I 
In  yonder  spring  of  roses  intermix'd 
With  myrtle,  find  what  to  re-dress  till  noon  : 


BOOK  IX.J  PARADISE  LOST-  219 

For  while  so  near  each  other  thus  all  day 
Our  task  we  choose,  what  wonder  if  so  near 
Looks  intervene  and  smiles,  or  object  new 
Casual  discourse  draw  on,  which  intermiss 
Our  day's  work  brought  to  little,  though  begun 
Early,  and  th'  hour  of  supper  comes  unearn'd* 
To  whom,  mild  answer  Adam  thus  return'd  : 
Sole  Eve,  associate  sole,  to  me  beyond 
Compare  above  all  living  creatures  dear, 
Well  hast  thou  motion'd,  well  thy  tho'ts  employ'd 
How  we  might  best  fulfil  the- work  which  here 
God  hath  assign 'd  us,  nor  of  me  shs.lt  pass 
Unprais'd:  for  nothing  lovelier  cam  be  found 
In  woman,  than  to  study  household  good, 
And  good  works  in  her  husband  to  promote. 
Yet  not  so  strictly  hath  our  Lord  impos'd 
Labour,  as  to  debar  us  when  we  need 
Refreshment,  whether  food,  or  talk  between, 
Food  of  the  mind,  or  this  sweet  intercourse 
Of  looks  and  smiles,  for  smiles  from  reason  flow, 
To  brute  deny'd,  and  are  of  love  the  food, 
Love  not  the  lowest  end  of  human  life. 
For  not  to  irksome  toil,  but  to  delight 
He  made  us,  and  delight  to  reason  join'd. 
These  paths  and  bow'rs  doubt  not  but  our  joint  hands 
Will  keep  from  wilderness  with  ease,  as  wide 
As  we  need  walk,  till  younger  hands  ere  long 
A.ssist  us  :  but  if  much  converse  perhaps 
Thee  satiate,  to  short  absence  I  could  yield  : 
For  solitude  sometimes  is  best  society, 
And  short  retirement  urges  sweet  return. 
But  other  doubt  possesses  me,  lest  harm 
Befal  thee  sever'd  from  me ;  for  thou  know'st 
What  hath  been  warn'd  us,  what  malicious  foe 
Envying  our  happiness,  and  of  his  own 
Despairing,  seeks  to  work  us  wo  and  shame 
By  sly  assault;  and  somewhere  nigh  at  hand 
Watches,  no  doubt,  with  greedy  hope  to  find 
His  wish  and  best  advantage,  us  asunder, 


220  PAKADISE  LOST.  [jlOOK  IX. 

Hopeless  to  circumvent  us  join'd,  where  each 

To  other  speedy  aid  might  lend  at  need ; 

Whether  his  first  design  be  to  withdraw 

Our  fealty  from  God,  or  to  disturb 

Conjugal  love,  than  which  perhaps  no  bliss 

Enjoy'd  by  us  excites  his  envy  more ; 

Or  this,  or  worse,  leave  not  the  faithful  side 

That  gave  thee  being,  still  shades  thee  and  protects. 

The  wife,  where  danger  or  dishonour  lurks, 

Safest  and  seemliest,  by  her  husband  stays, 

Who  guards  her,  or  with  her  the  worst  endures. 

To  whom  the  virgin  majesty  of  Eve, 

As  one  who  loves,  and  some  unkindness  meets, 

With  sweet  austere  composure  thus  reply 'd: 

Offspring  of  heav'n  and  earth,  and  all  earth's  lord, 
That  such  an  enemy  we  have,  who  seeks 
Our  ruin,  both  by  thee  inform'd  I  learn, 
And  from  the  parting  angel  overheard, 
As  in  a  shady  nook  I  stood  behind, 
Just  then  return'd  at  shut  of  evening  flowers. 
But  that  thou  shouldst  my  firmness  therefore  doubt 
To  God  or  thee,  because  we  have  a  foe 
May  tempt  it,  I  expected  not  to  hear. 
His  violence  thou  fear'st  not,  being  such 
As  we,  not  capable  of  death  or  pain, 
Can  either  not  receive,  or  can  repel. 
His  fraud  is  then  thy  fear,  which  plain  infers 
Thy  equal  fear  that  my  firm  faith  and  love 
Can  by  his  fraud  be  shaken  or  seduc'd  : 
Tho'ts,  which  how  found  they  harbour  in  thy  breast, 
Adam,  misthought  of  her  to  thee  so  dear  ? 

To  whom  with  healing  words  Adam  reply'd : 
Daughter  of  God  and  man,  immortal  Eve  ! 
For  such  thou  art,  from  sin  and  blame  entire  : 
Not  diffident  of  thee  do  I  dissuade     . 
Thy  absence  from  my  sight,  but  to  avoid 
Th'  attempt  itself,  intended  by  our  foe. 
For  he  who  tempts,  though  in  vain,  at  least  asperse* 
The  tempted  with  dishonour  foul,  suppos'd 


BOOK  IX.]  PARADISE  LOST.  221 

Not  incorruptible  of  faith,  not  proof 

Against  temptation :  thou  thyself  with  scorn 

And  anger  wouldst  resent  the  ofFer'd  wrong, 

Though  ineffectual  found :  misdeem  not  then, 

If  such  affront  I  labour  to  avert 

From  thee  alone,  which  on  us  both  at  once 

The  enemy,  though  bold  will  hardly  dare, 

Or  daring,  first  on  me  the  assault  shall  light. 

Nor  thou  his  malice  and  false  guile  contemn  • 

Subtle  he  needs  must  be,  who  could  seduce 

Angels  ;  nor  think  superfluous  others  aid. 

I  from  the  influence  of  thy  looks  receive 

Access  in  every  virtue,  in  thy  sight 

More  wise,  more  watchful,  stronger,  if  need  were 

Of  outward  strength ;  while  shame,  thou  looking  on 

Shame  to  be  overcome  or  overreach'd 

Would  utmost  vigour  raise,  and  rais'd  unite. 

Why  shouldst  not  thou  like  sense  within  thee  feel 

When  I  am  present,  and  thy  trial  choose 

With  me,  best  witness  of  thy  virtue  try'd  2 

So  spake  domestic  Adam  in  his  care 
And  matrimonial  love ;  but  Eve,  who  thought 
Less  attributed  to  her  faith  sincere, 
Thus  her  reply  with  accent  sweet  renew'd  • 

If  this  be  our  condition,  thus  to  dwell 
In  narrow  circuit  straiten'd  by  a  foe, 
Subtle  or  violent,  we  not  endued 
Single  with  like  defence,  wherever  met, 
How  are  we  happy,  still  in  fear  of  harm  ? 
But  harm  precedes  not  sin  ;  only  our  fde 
Tempting  affronts  us  with  his  foul  esteem 
Of  OUT  integrity :  his  foul  esteem 
Sticks  no  dishonour  on  our  front,  but  turns 
Foul  on  himself;  then  wherefore  shunn'd  or  fear'd 
By  us  ?  who  rather  double  honour  gain 
From  his  surmise  prov'd  false,  find  peace  within, 
Favour  from  heav'n,  our  witness  from  th'  event. 
And  what  is  faith,  love,  virtue  unassay'd 
Alone,  without  exterior  help  sustain 'd? 
ID* 


222  PARADISE  LOST  [ROOK  IX 

Let  us  not  then  suspect  our  happy  state 
Left  so  imperfect  by  the  Maker  wise, 
As  not  secure  to  single  or  combin'd. 
Frail  is  our  happiness,  if  this  be  so, 
And  Eden  were  no  Eden  thus  expos'd. 

To  whom  thus  Adam  fervently  reply'd  : 
O  woman,  best  are  all  things  as  the  will 
Of  God  ordain'd  them ;  his  creating  hand 
Nothing  imperfect  or  deficient  left 
Of  all  that  he  created;  much  less  man, 
Or  ought  that  might  his  happy  state  secure. 
Secure  from  outward  force  ;  within  himself 
The  danger  lies,  yet  lies  within  his  power : 
Against  his  will  he  can  receive  no  harm. 
But  God  left  free  the  will,  for  what  obeys 
Reason  is  free,  and  reason  he  made  right, 
But  bid  her  well  beware,  and  still  erect, 
Lest  by  some  fair  appearing  good  surpris'd 
She  dictate  false,  and  misinform  the  will 
To  do  what  God  expressly  hath  forbid. 
Not  then  mistrust,  but  tender  love  enjoins, 
That  I  should  mind  thee  oft,  and  mind  thou  me. 
Firm  we  subsist,  yet  .possible  to  swerve, 
Since  reason  not  impossibly  may  meet 
Some  specious  object  by  the  foe  suborn'd, 
And  fall  into  deception  unaware, 
Not  keeping  strictest  watch,  as  she  was  warn'd. 
Seek  not  temptation  then,  which  to  avoid 
Were  better,  and  most  likely  if  from  me 
Thou  sever  not :  trial  will  come  unsought : 
Wouldst  thou  approve  thy  constancy,  approve 
First  thy  obedience  ;  th'  other  who  can  know, 
Not  soeing  the  attempted,  who  attest  ? 
But  if  thou  think,  trial  unsought  may  find 
Us  both  securer  than  thus  warn'd  thou  seem 'si 
Go ;  for  thy  stay,  not  free,  absents  thee  more  ; 
Go  in  thy  native  innocence,  rely 
On  wbat  thou  hast  of  virtue,  summon  all, 
F  jr  G  jd  towards  thee  hath  done  his  part,  do  chine 


BOOK  IX. J  PARADISE  LOST.  2i 

So  spake  the  patriarch  of  mankind  :  But  Eve 
Persisted,  yet  submiss  though  last,  reply 'd  : 

With  thy  permission  then,  and  thus  i'orevvarn'd 
Chiefly  by  what  thy  own  last  reasoning  words 
Ti  uch'd  only,  that  our  trial,  when  least  sought, 
May  find  us  both  perhaps  far  less  prepar'd, 
The  willinger  I  go,  nor  much  expect 
A  foe.  so  proud  vyill  first  the  weaker  seek ; 
So  bent,  the  more  shall  shame  him  his  repulse. 

Thus  saying,  from  her  husband's  hand,  her  hand 
Soft  she  withdrew,  and  like  a  wood-nymph  light, 
Oread  or  dryad,  or  of  Delia's  train, 
Betook  her  to  the  groves,  but  Delia's  self 
In  gait  surpass'd,  and -goddess-like  deport, 
Though  not  as  she  with  bow  and  quiver  arm'd, 
But  with  such  gard'ning  tools  as  art  yet  rude, 
Guiltless  of  fire,  had  form'd,  or  angels  brought. 
To  Pales,  or  Pomona,  thus  adorn'd, 
Likest  she  seem'd  Pomona  when  she  fled 
Vertumnus,  or  to  Ceres  in  her  prime, 
Yet  virgin  of  Proserpina  from  Jove. 
Her,  long  with  ardent  look  his  eye  pursu'd 
Delighted,  but  desiring  more  her  stay. 
Oft  he  to  her  his  charge  of  quick  return 
Repeated,  she  to  him  as  oft  engag'd 
To  be  return'd  by  noon  amid  the  bower, 
And  all  things  in  best  order  to  invite 
Noontide  repast,  or  afternoon's  repose  ; 
O  much  deceiv'd,  much  failing,  hapless  Eve. 
Of  thy  presum'd  return  !  'event  perverse  ! 
Thou  never  from  that  hour  in  Paradise 
Found'st  either  sweet  repast,  or  sound  reposo ; 
Such  ambush  hid  among  sweet  flow'rs  and  sluulos 
Waited,  with  hellish  rancour  imminent 
To  intercept  thy  way,  or  send  thee  back 
Despoil'd  of  innocence,  of  faith,  of  bliss. 
For  now,  and  since  first  break  of  dawn  the  fi^nd, 
Mere  serpent  in  appearance,  forth  was  come, 
A.nd  on  his  quest,  where  likeliest  he  might  find 


S224  PARADISE    t,OST.  [BOOK  IX. 

The  only  two  of  mankind,  but  in  them 

The  whole  included  race,  his  purpos'd  prey. 

In  bow'r  and  field  he  sought,  where  any  tuft 

Of  grove  or  garden-plot  more  pleasant  lay, 

Their  tendance  or  plantation  for  delight ; 

By  fountain  or  by  shady  rivulet 

He  sought  them  both,  but  wish'd  his  hap  might  find 

Eve  separate,  he  wish'd,  but  not  with  hope 

Of  what  so  seldom  chanc'd,  when  to  his  wish. 

Beyond  his  hope  ;  Eve  separate  he  spies, 

Veil'd  in  a  cloud  of  fragrance,  where  she  stood, 

Half  spy'd,  so  thick  the  roses  blushing  round 

About  her  glow'd,  oft  stooping  to  support 

Each  flow'r  of  tender  stalk,  whose  head  though  gay 

Carnation,  purple,  azure,  or  speck'd  with  gold 

Hung  drooping  unsustain'd ;  them  she  upstays 

Gently  with  myrtle  band,  mindless  the  while 

Herself,  though  fairest  unsupported  flower, 

From  her  best  prop  so  far,  and  storm  so  nigh. 

Nearer  he  drew,  and  many  a  walk  travers'd 

Of  stateliest  covert,  cedar,  pine,  or  palm, 

Then  voluble  and  bold,  now  hid,  now  seen 

Among  thick-woven  arborets  and  flowers, 

Imbordered  on  each  bank,  the  hand  of  Eve  : 

Spot  more  delicious  than  those  gardens  feign 'd, 

Or  of  reviv'd  Adonis,  or  renown'd 

Alcinous,  host  of  old  Laertes'  son, 

Or  that,  not  mystic,  where  the  sapient  king 

Held  dalliance  with  his  fair  Egyptian  spouse. 

Much  he  the  place  admir'd,  the  person  more. 

As  one  who  long  in  populous  city  pent, 

Where  houses  thick  and  sewers  annoy  the  air, 

Forth  issuing  on  a  summer's  morn  to  breathe 

Among  the  pleasant  villages  and  farms 

Adjoin'd,  from  each  thing  met  conceives  delight, 

The  smell  of  grain,  or  tedded  grass,  or  kine. 

Or  dairy,  each  rural  sight,  each  rural  sound  ; 

If  chance  with  nymph-like  step  fair  virgin  pass. 

What  pleasing  seem'd,  for  her  now  pleases  more, 


HOOK  IX.  J  PARAD1SK   LOST.  21'5 

She  most,  and  in  her  look  sums  all  delight : 
Such  pleasure  took  the  serpent  to  behold 
This  flow'ry  plat,  the  sweet  recess  of  Eve 
Thus  early,  thus  alone ;  her  heav'nly  form 
Angelic,  but  more  soft,  and  feminine ; 
Her  graceful  innocence,  her  every  air 
Of  gesture,  or  least  action  overaw'd 
His  malice,  and  with  repine  sweet  bereav'd 
His  fierceness  of  the  fierce  intent  it  brought : 
That  space  the  evil-one  abstracted  stood 
From  his  own  evil,  and  for  the  time  remain 'd 
Stupidly  good,  of  enmity  disarm'd, 
Of  guile,  of  hate,  of  envy,  of  revenge  : 
But  the  hot  hell  that  always  in  him  burns, 
Though  in  mid  heav'n,  soon  ended  his  delight., 
And  tortures  him  now  more,  tb"1  more  he  sees 
Of  pleasure  not  for  him  ordain'd  ;  then  soon 
Fierce  hate  he  recollects,  and  all  his  thoughts 
Of  mischief,  gratulating,  thus  excites  : 

Tho'ts,  whither  have  ye  led  me  !  with  what  sweet 
Compulsion  thus  transported  to  forget 
What  hither  brought  us  !  hate,  not  love,  nor  hope 
Of  Paradise  for  hell,  hope  here  to  taste 
Of  pleasure,  but  all  pleasure  to  destroy, 
Save  what  is  in  destroying;  other  joy 
To  me  is  lost.     Then  let  me  not  let  pass 
Occasion  which  now  smiles  :  behold  alone 
The  woman,  opportune  to  all  attempts ; 
Her  husband,  for  I  view  far  round,  not  nigh, 
Whose  higher  intellectual  more  I  shun, 
And  strength,  of  courage  haughty,  and  of  limb 
Heroic  built,  though  of  terrestrial  mould  ; 
Foe  not  informidable,  exempt  from  wound, 
I  not ;  so  much  hath  hell  debas'd,  and  pain 
Enfeebled  me,  to  what  I  was  in  heav'n. 
She  fair,  divinely  fair,  fit  love  for  gods, 
Not  terrible,  though  terror  be  in  love 
And  beauty,  not  approach'd  by  stronger  hate, 


226  PARADISE   LOST.  {BOOK  IX 

Hate  stronger,  under  show  of  love  well  feign'd, 
The  way  which  to  her  ruin  now  I  tend. 

So  spake  the  enemy  of  mankind,  enclos'd 
In  serpent,  inmate  bad,  and  toward  Eve 
Address'd  his  way,  not  with  indented  wave, 
Prone  on  the  ground,  as  since,  but  on  his  rear. 
Circular  base  of  rising  folds,  that  tower'd 
B  old  above  fold  a  surging  maze,  his  head 
Crested 'aloft,  and  carbuncle  his  eyes  ; 
With  burnish'd  neck  of  verdant  gold,  erect 
Amidst  his  circling  spires,  that  on  the  grass 
Floated  redundant :  pleasing  was  his  shape, 
And  lovely ;  never  since  of  serpent  kind 
Lovelier,  not  those  that  in  Illyria  chang'd 
Hermione  and  Cadmus,  or  the  god 
In  Epidaurus  ;  nor  to  which  transform'd 
Ammonian  Jove,  or  Capitoline  was  seen, 
He  with  Olympias,  this  with  her  who  bjre 
Scipio  the  height  of  Rome.     With  tract  oblique 
At  first,  as  one  who  sought  access,  but  fear'd 
To  interrupt,  side-long  he  works  his  way ; 
As  when  a  ship  by  skilful  steersman  wrought 
Nigh  river's  mouth  or  foreland,  where  the  wind 
Veers  oft,  as  oft  so  steers,  and  shifts  her  sail : 
So  varied  he,  and  of  his  tortuous  train 
Curl'd  many  a  wanton  wreath  in  sight  of  Eve, 
To  lure  her  eye ;  she  busied  heard  the  sound 
Of  rustling  leaves,  but  minded  not,  as  us'd 
To  such  disport  before  her  through  the  field, 
From  every  beast,  more  duteous  at  her  call, 
Than  at  Circean  call  the  herd  disguis'd. 
He  bolder  now,  uncall'd  before  her  stood, 
But  as  in  gaze  admiring ;  oft  he  bow'd 
His  turret  crest,  and  sleek  enamel'd  neck, 
Fawning,  and  lick'd  the  ground  whereon  sbe  .rod. 
His  gentle  dumb  expression  turn'd  at  length 
The  eye  of  Eve  to  mark  his  play ;  he  glad 
Of  her  attention  gain'd,  with  serpent  tongue 


UCOK  IS    I  PARADISE   LOST.  1*27 

Organic,  or  impulse  of  vocal  air, 

His  fraudulent  temptation  thus  began  : 

Wonder  not,  sov'reign  mistress,  if  perhaps 
Thou  canst,  who  art  sole  wonder  ;  much  less  arr.i 
Thy  looks,  the  heav'n  of  mildness,  with  disdain, 
Displeas'd  that  I  approach  thee  thus,  and  gaze 
Insatiate,  I  thus  single,  nor  have  fear'd 
Thy  awful  brow,  more  awful  thus  retir'd. 
Fairest  resemblance  of  thy  Maker  fair, 
Thee  all  things  living  gaze  on,  all  things  thine 
By  gift,  and  thy  celestial  beauty  adore 
With  ravishment  beheld,  there  best  beheld 
When  universally  admir'd  ;  but  here, 
In  this  enclosure  wild,  these  beasts  among, 
Beholders  rude,  and  shallow  to  discern 
Half  what  in  thee  is  fair,  one  man  except 
Who  sees  thee  ?  (and  what  is  one  ?)  who  shouldst  b< 

seen 

A  goddess  among  gods,  ador'd  and  serv'd 
By  angels  numberless,  thy  daily  train. 

So  gloz'd  the  tempter,  and  his  proem  tun'd 
Into  the  heart  of  Eve  his  words  made  way, 
Though  at  the  voice  much  marvelling ;  at  length 
Not  unamaz'd  she  thus  in  answer  spake : 
What  may  this  mean  ?  language  of  man  pronounr'd 
By  tongue  of  brute,  and  human  sense  expressed  ! 
The  first  at  least  of  these  I  thought  deny'd 
To  beasts,  whom  God  on  their  creation-day 
Created  mute  to  all  articulate  sound ; 
The  latter  I  demur,  for  in  their  looks 
Much  reason,  and  in  their  actions  oft  appears. 
Thee,  serpent,  subtlest  beast  of  all  the  field 
I  knew,  but  not  with  human  voice  endued  ; 
Redouble  then  this  miracle,  and  say, 
How  cam'st  thou  speakable  of  mute,  and  hoxv 
To  me  so  friendly  grown  above  the  rest 
Of  brutal  kind,  that  daily  are  in  sight : 
Say,  for  such  wonder  claims  attention  due. 

To  whom  the  guileful  tempter  thus  reply VI : 


22S  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK   IX 

Empress  of  this  fair  world,  resplendent  Eve, 

Easy  to  me  it  is  to  tell  thee  all 

What  thou  command's!,  and  right  thou  shouldst  t>e 

obey'd : 

I  was  at  first  as  other  beasts  that  graze 
The  trodden  herb,  of  abject  thoughts  and  low. 
As  was  my  food ;  nor  ought  but  food  discern'd 
Or  sex,  and  apprehended  nothing  high  : 
Till  on  a  day  roving  the  field,  I  chanc'd 
A  goodly  tree  far  distant  to  behold 
Loaden  with  fruit  of  fairest  colours  mix'd, 
Ruddy  and  gold :  I  nearer  drew  to  gaze  ; 
When  from  the  boughs  a  savory  odour  blown, 
Grateful  to  appetite,  more  pleas'd  my  sense 
Than  smell  of  sweetest  fennel,  or  the  teats 
Of  ewe  or  goat  dropping  with  milk  at  even, 
Unsuck'd  of  lamb  or  kid,  that  tend  their  play 
To  satisfy  the  sharp  desire  I  had 
Of  tasting  those  fair  apples,  I  resolv'd 
Not  to  defer ;  hunger  and  thirst  at  once, 
Pow'rful  persuaders,  quicken'd  at  the  scent 
Of  that  alluring  fruit,  urg'd  me  so  keen. 
About  the  mossy  trunk  I  wound  me  soon, 
For  high  from  ground  the  branches  would  require 
Thy  utmost  reach,  or  Adam's  :  round  the  tree 
All  other  beasts  that  saw,  with  like  desire 
Longing  and  envying  stood,  but  could  not  reach 
Amid  the  tree  now  got,  where  plenty  hung 
Tempting  so  nigh,  to  pluck  and  eat  my  fill 
I  spar'd  not,  for  such  pleasure  till  that  hour 
At  feed  or  fountain  never  had  I  found. 
Sated  at  length,  ere  long  I  might  perceive 
Strange  alteration  in  me,  to  degree 
Of  reason  in  my  inward  pow'rs,  and  speech 
Wanted  not  long,  though  to  this  shape  retain'd. 
Thenceforth  to  speculations  high  or  deep 
I  turn'd  my  thoughts,  and  Avith  capacious  mind 
Consider'd  all  things  visible  in  heav'n, 
Or  earth,  or  middle,  all  things  fair  and  good  ; 


BOOK  li.J  PARADISE  LOST. 

But  all  that  fair  and  good  in  thy  divine 
Semblance,,  and  in  thy  beauty's  heav'nly  ray 
United  I  beheld;  no  fair  to  thine 
Equivalent  or  second,  which  compelPd 
Me  thus,  though  importune  perhaps,  to  come 
And  gaze,  ~nd  worship  thee,  of  right  declar'd 
Sov'reign  of  creatures,  universal  dame. 

So  talk'd  the  spirited  sly  snake ;  and  Eve 
Yet  more  amaz'd  unwary  thus  reply'd : 
Serpent,  thy  overpraising  leaves  in  doubt 
The  virtue  of  that  fruit,  in  thee  first  prov'd  : 
But  say,  where  grows  the  tree,  from  hence  how  far  J 
For  many  are  the  trees  of  God  that  grow 
In  Paradise,  and  various,  yet  unknown 
To  us,  in  such  abundance  lies  our  choice, 
As  leaves  a  greater  store  of  fruit  untouch'd, 
Still  hanging  incorruptible,  till  men 
Grow  up  to  their  provision,  and  more  hands 
Help  to  disburden  Nature  of  her  birth. 

To  whom  the  wily  adder  blithe  and  glad : 
Empress  the  way  is  ready,  and  not  long, 
Beyond  a  row  of  myrtles,  on  a  flat, 
Fast  by  a  fountain,  one  small  thicket  past 
Of  blowing  myrrh  and  balm ;  if  thou  accept 
My  conduct,  I  can  bring  thee  thither  soon. 

Lead  then,  said  Eve  :  He  leading  swiftly  rollM 
In  tangles,  and  made  intricate  seem  straight, 
To  mischief  swift.     Hope  elevates,  and  joy 
Brightens  his  crest ;  as  when  a  wand'ring  fire, 
Compact  of  unctuous  vapour,  which  the  night 
Condenses,  and  the  cold  environs  round, 
Kindled  through  agitation  to  a  flame, 
Which  oft,  they  say,  some  evil  spirit  attends, 
Hovering  and  blazing  with  delusive  light, 
Misleads  th'  amaz'd  night- wand 'rer  from  his  way 
To  bogs  and  mires,  and  oft  through  pond  or  pool, 
There  swallow'd  up  and  lost,  from  succour  far. 
So  glister'd  the  dire  snake,  and  into  fraud 
Led  Eve  our  credulous  mother,  to  the  tree 
20 


230  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  IX. 

Of  prohibition,  root  of  all  our  wo  ; 

Which  when  she  saw,  thus  to  her  guide  she  spake : 

Serpent,  we  might  have  spar'd  our  coming  hither 
Fruitless  to  me,  though  fruit  be  here  t'  excess, 
The  credit  of  whose  virtue  rest  with  thee, 
Wondrous  indeed,  if  cause  of  such  effects. 
But  of  this  tree  we  may  not  taste  nor  touch  ; 
God  so  commanded,  and  left  that  command 
Sole  daughter  of  his  voice  :  the  rest,  we  live 
Law  to  ourselves,  our  reason  is  our  law. 

To  whom  the  tempter  guilefully  reply'd  : 
Indeed  !  hath  God  then  said  that  of  the  fruit 
Of  all  these  garden  trees  ye  shall  not  eat, 
Yet  lords  declar'd  of  all  in  earth  or  air  ? 

To  whom  thus  Eve  yet  sinless  :  Of  the  fruit 
Of  each  tree  in  the  garden  we  may  eat, 
But  of  the  fruit  of  this  fair  tree  amidst 
The  garden,  God  hath  said,  Ye  shall  not  eat 
Thereof,  nor  shall  ye  touch  it,  lest  ye  die. 

She  scarce  had  said,  though  brief,  when  now  more 

bold 

The  tempter,  but  with  show  of  zeal  and  love 
To  man,  and  indignation  at  his  wrong, 
New  part  puts  on,  and  as  to  passion  mov'd, 
Fluctuates  disturb'd,  yet  comely  and  in  act 
Rais'd,  as  if  some  great  matter  to  begin. 
As  when  of  old  some  orator  renown'd 
In  Athens  or  free  Rome,  where  eloquence 
Flourish'd,  since  mute,  to  some  great  cause  address'd 
Stood  in  himself  collected,  while  each  part, 
Motion,  each  act  won  audience  ere  the  tongue, 
Sometimes  in  height  began,  as  no  delay 
Of  preface  brooking  through  his  zeal  of  right : 
So  standing,  moving,  or  to  height  up  grown, 
The  tempter  all  impassion'd  thus  began  : 

O  sacred,  wise,  and  wisdom-giving  plant, 
Mother  of  science,  now  I  feel  thy  power 
Within  me  clear  not  oniy  to  discern 
Things  in  their  causes,  but  to  trace  the  ways 


BOOK   IX. j  PARADISE  LOST.  £31 

Of  highest  agents,  deem'd  however  wise, 

Queen  of  this  universe,  do  not  believe 

Those  rigid  threats  of  death  ;  ye  shall  not  die  : 

How  should  ye  ?  by  the  fruit  ?  it  gives  you  life 

To  knowledge  ;  by  the  threat'ner  ?  look  on  me, 

Me  who  have  touch'd  and  tasted,  yet  both  live, 

And  life  more  perfect  have  attain'd  than  fate 

Meant  me,  by  vent'ring  higher  than  my  lot. 

Shall  that  be  shut  to  man,  which  to  the  beast 

Is  open  ?  or  will  God  incense  his  ire 

For  such  a  petty  trespass,  and  not  praise 

Rather  your  dauntless  virtue,  whom  the  pain 

Of  death  denounc'd.  whatever  thing  death  be, 

Deterr'd  not  from  achieving  what  might  lead 

To  happier  life,  knowledge  of  good  and  evil ; 

Of  good,  how  just  ?  of  evil,  if  what  is  evil 

Be  real,  why  not  known,  since  easier  shunn'd. 

God  therefore  cannot  hurt  ye,  and  be  just ; 

Not  just,  not  God  ;  not  fear'd  then,  nor  obey'd  ; 

Your  fear  itself  of  death  removes  the  fear. 

Why  then  was  this  forbid  ?   Why  but  to  awe, 

Why  but  to  keep  ye  ]ow  and  ignorant, 

His  worshippers ;  he  knows  that  in  the  day 

Ye  eat  thereof,  your  eyes  that  seem  so  clear 

Yet  are  but  dim,  shall  perfectly  be  then 

Open'd  and  clear'd,  and  ye  shall  be  as  gods, 

Knowing  both  good  and  evil  as  they  know. 

That  ye  shall  be  as  gods,  since  I  as  man, 

Internal  man,  is  but  proportion  meet ; 

I  of  brute  human,  ye  of  human,  gods ; 

So  ye  shall  die  perhaps,  by  putting  off 

Human,  to  put  on  gods  ;  death  to  be  wish'd, 

Tho'  threaten'd,  which  no  worse  than  this  can  bring 

And  what  are  gods  that  man  may  not  become 

As  they,  participating  god-like  food  ? 

The  gods  are  first,  and  that  advantage  use 

On  our  belief,  that  all  from  them  proceeds ; 

I  question  it,  for  this  fair  earth  I  see, 

Warm'd  by  the  sun,  producing  every  kind, 


232  PARADISE  LOST  [BOOK  IX. 

Them  nothing  :  if  they  all  things,  who  enclos'd 
Knowledge  of  good  and  evil  in  this  tree, 
That  whoso  eats  thereof,  forthwith  attains 
Wisdom  without  their  leave  ?  and  wherein  lies 
Th'  offence,  that  man  should  thus  attain  to  know  ? 
What  can  your  knowledge  hurt  him,  or  this  tree 
Impart  against  his  will  if  all  be  his  ? 
Or  is  it  envy,  and  can  envy  dwell 
tn  heav'nly  breasts  ?  these,  these  and  many  more 
Causes  import  your  need  of  this  fair  fruit. 
Goddess  humane,  reach  then,  and  freely  taste. 

He  ended,  and  his  words  replete  with  guile 
Into  her  heart  too  easy  entrance  won  : 
Fix'd  on  the  fruit  she  gaz'd,  which  to  behold 
Might  tempt  alone,  and  in  her  ears  the  sound 
Yet  rung  of  his  persuasive  words,  impregn'd 
With  reason,  to  her  seeming,  and  with  truth  ; 
Meanwhile  the  hour  of  noon  drew  on,  and  wak'd 
An  eager  appetite,  rais'd  by  the  smell 
So  savoury  of  that  fruit,  which  with  desire, 
Inclinable  now  grown  to  touch  or  taste, 
Solicited  her  longing  eye  :  yet  first 
Pausing  awhile,  thus  to  herself'she  mus'd : 

Great  are  thy  virtues,  doubtless,  best  of  fru  its, 
Though  kept  from  man,  and  worthy  to  be  admir'd. 
Whose  taste,  too  long  forborne,  at  first  assay 
Gave  elocution  to  the  mute,  and  taught 
The  tongue  not  made  for  speech  to  speak  thy  praise 
Thy  praise  he  also  who  forbids  thy  use, 
Conceals  not  from  us,  naming  thee  the  tree 
Of  knowledge,  knowledge  both  of  good  and  evil ; 
Forbids  us  then  to  taste,  but  his  forbidding 
Commends  thee  more,  while  it  infers  the  good 
By  thee  communicated,  and  our  want 
For  good  unknown,  sure  is  not  had,  or  had 
And  yet  unknown,  is  as  not  had  at  all. 
In  plain  then,  what  forbids  he  but  to  know. 
Forbids  us  good,  forbids  us  to  be  wi.<e  ? 
Such  prohibitions  bind  not.     But  if  death 


BOOK  IX.]  1'AKADISE  LOST.  233 

Bind  us  \vith  after-bands,  what  profits  then 

Our  inward  freedom  ?  In  the  day  we  eat 

Of  this  fair  fruit,  our  doom  is  we  shall  die. 

How  dies  the  serpent  ?  he  hath  eat'n  and  lives, 

And  knows,  and  speaks,  and  reasons,  and  discerns, 

Irrational  till  then.     For  us  alone 

Was  death  invented  ?  or  to  us  deny'd 

This  intellectual  food,  for  beasts  reserv'd  ? 

For  beasts  it  seems  :  yet  that  one  beast  which  first 

Hath  tasted,  envies  not,  but  brings  with  joy 

The  good  befall'n  him,  author  unsuspect, 

Friendly  to  man,  far  from  deceit  to  guile. 

What  fear  I  then,  rather  what  know  to  fear 

Under  this  ignorance  of  good  and  evil, 

Of  God  or  death,  of  law  or  penalty  ? 

Here  grows  the  cure  of  all,  this  fruit  divine, 

Fair  to  the  eye,  inviting  to  the  taste, 

Of  virtue  to  make  wise  :  what  hinders  then 

To  reach,  and  feed  at  once  both  body  and  mind  f. 

So  saying,  her  rash  hand  in  evil  hour 
Forth  reaching  to  the  fruit,  she  pluck'd,  she  eat . 
Earth  felt  the  wound,  and  Nature  from  her  seat 
Sighing  through  all  her  works  gave  signs  of  wo 
That  all  was  lost.     Back  to  the  thicket  slunk 
The  guilty  serpent,  and  well  might,  for  Eve 
Intent  now  wholly  on  her  taste,  naught  else 
Regarded,  such  delight  till  then,  as  seem'd, 
In  fruit  she  never  tasted,  whether  true 
Or  fancy'd  so,  through  expectation  high 
Of  knowledge,  nor  was  godhead  from  her  thought 
Greedily  she  ingorg'd  without  restraint, 
And  knew  not  eating  death  :  satiate  at  length, 
And  heighten 'd  as  with  wine,  jocund  and  boon 
Thus  to  herself  she  pleasantly  began  : 

0  sov'reign,  virtuous,  precious  of  all  trees 
In  Paradise,  of  operation  bl-est 
To  sapience,  hitherto  obscur'd,  infam'd, 
And  thy  fair  fruit  let  hang,  as  to  no  end 
Created ;  but  henceforth  my  early  care, 
20* 


234  PARADISE  LOST.  [fiOC  '  IX 

Not  without  song,  each  morning  and  clue  praise 
Shall  tend  thee,  and  the  fertile  burden  ease 
Of  thy  full  branches  offer'd  free  to  all ; 
Till  dieted  by  thee  I  grow  mature 
In  knowledge,  as  the  gods  who  all  things  know 
Though  others  envy  what  they  cannot  give  ; 
For  had  the  gift  been  theirs,  it  had  not  here 
Thus  grown.     Experience,  next  to  thee  I  owe, 
Best  guide;  not  following  thee  I  had  remain'^ 
In  ignorance ;  thou  open'st  wisdom's  way. 
And  giv'st  access,  though  secret  she  retire. 
And  I  perhaps  am  secret ;  heav'n  is  high, 
High,  and  remote  to  see  from  thence  distinct 
Each  thing  on  earth ;  and  other  care  perhaps 
May  have  diverted  from  continual  watch 
Our  great  forbidder,  safe  with  all  his  spies 
About  him.     But  to  Adam  in-  what  sort 
Shall  I  appear  ?  shall  I  to  him  make  known 
As  yet  my  change,  and  give  him  to  partake 
Full  happiness  with  mf ,  or  rather  not, 
But  keep  the  odds  of  knowledge  in  my  powe- 
Without  co-partner?  so  to  add  what  wants 
In  female  sex,  the  more  to  draw  his  love. 
And  render  me  more  equal,  and  perhaps, 
A  thing  not  undesirable,  sometime 
Superior  ;  for  inferior  who  is  free  ? 
This  may  be  well :  but  what  if  God  have  seen 
And  death  ensue  ?  then  I  shall  be  no  more, 
And  Adam  wedded  to  another  Eve, 
Shall  live  with  her  enjoying,  I  extinct ; 
A  death  to  think.     Confirm'd  then  I  resolve, 
Adam  shall  share  with  me  in  bliss  or  wo  ; 
So^dear  I  love  him,  that  with  him  all  deaths 
I  could  endure,  without  him  live  no  life. 

So  saying,  from  the  tree  her  step  she  turn'd 
But  first  low  reverence  done,  as  to  the  power 
That  dwelt  within,  whose  presence  had  infus'd 
Into  the  plant  sciential  sap,  deriv'd 
From  nectar,  drink  of  gods.     Adam  the  while 


BOOK  IX.]  PARADISE  LOST.  235 

Waiting  desirous  her  return,  had  wove 

Of  choicest  flow'rs  a  garland  to  adorn 

Her  tresses,  and  her  rural  labours  crown, 

As  reapers  oft  are  wont  their  harvest  queen. 

Great  joy  he  promis'd  to  his  thoughts,  and  new 

Solace  in  her  return,  so  long  delay'd ; 

Yet  oft  his  heart,  divine  of  something  ill, 

Misgave  him;  he  the  falt'ring  measure  felt; 

And  forth  to  meet  her  went,  the  way  she  took 

That  morn  when  first  they  parted ;  by  the  tree 

Of  knowledge  he  must  pass,  there  he  her  me 

Scarce  from  the  tree  returning  ;  in  her  hand 

A  bough  of  fairest  fruit,  that  downy  smil'd 

New  gather'd,  and  ambrosial  smell  diffus'd. 

To  him  she  hasted  ;  in  her  face  excuse 

Came  prologue,  and  apology  too  prompt, 

Which  with  bland  words  at  will  she  thus  addross'd  . 

Hast  thou  not  wonder'd,  Adam,  at  my  stay  ? 
Thee  I  have  miss'd,  and  thought  it  long  depriv'd 
Thy  presence,  agony  of  love  tiil  now 
Not  felt,  nor  shall  be  twice,  for  never  more 
Mean  I  to  try,  what  rash  untry'd  I  sought, 
The  pain  of  absence  from  thy  sight.     But  strange 
Hath  been  the  cause,  and  wonderful  to  hear ; 
This  tree  is  not  as  we  are  told,  a  tree 
Of  danger  tasted,  nor  to  evil  unknown 
Opening  the  way,  but  of  divine  effect 
To  open  eyes,  and  make  them  gods  who  taste ; 
And  hath  been  tasted  such ;  the  serpent  wise, 
Or  not  restrain'd  as  we.  or  not  obeying, 
Hath  eaten  of  the  fruit,  and  is  become, 
Not  dead,  as  we  are  threaten'd,  but  thenceforth 
Endued  with  voice  and  human  sense, 
Reasoning  to  admiration,  and  with  me 
Persuasively  hath  so  prevail'd,  that  I 
Have  also  tasted,  and  have  also  found 
Th'  effects  to  correspond,  opener  mine  eyes, 
Dim  erst,  dilated  spirits,  ampler  heart, 
And  growing  up  to  godhead  ;  which  for  thee 


2f>6  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   IX. 

Chiefly  I  sought,  without  thee  can  despise. 
For  bliss,  as  thou  hast  part,  to  me  is  bliss, 
Tedious  unshar'd  with  thee,  and  odious  soon. 
Thou  therefore  also  taste,  that  equal  lot 
May  join  us,  equal  joy,  as  equal  love; 
Lest  thou  not  tasting,  different  degree 
Disjoin  us,  and  I  then  too  late  renounce 
Deity  for  thee,  when  fate  will  not  permit. 

Thus  Eve  with  count'nance  blithe  her  story  to!d ; 
But  in  her  cheek  distemper  flushing  glow'd. 
On  th'  other  side,  Adam,  soon  as  he  heard 
The  fatal  trespass  done  by  Eve,  amaz'd, 
Astonied  stood  and  blank,  while  horror  chill 
Ran  through  his  veins,  and  all  his  joints  relax'd  ; 
From  his  slack  hand  the  garland  wreath'd  for  Eve 
Down  dropt,  and  all  the  faded  roses  shed  : 
Speechless  he  stood  and  pale,  till  thus  at  length 
First  to  himself  he  inward  silence  broke : 
O  fairest  of  creation,  last  and  best 
Of  all  God's  works,  creature  in  whom  excell'd 
Whatever  can  to  sight  or  thought  be  form'd, 
Holy,  divine,  good,  amiable,  or  sweet ! 
How  art  thou  lost,  how  on  a  sudden  lost, 
Defac'd,  deflower'd,  and  now  to  death  devote  ? 
Rather  how  hast  thou  yielded  to  transgress 
The  strict  forbiddance,  how  to  violate 
The  sacred  fruit  forbidden  ?  some  cursed  fro  mi 
Of  enemy  hath  beguil'd  thee,  yet  unknown, 
And  me  with  thee  hath  ruin'd,  for  with  thee 
Certain  my  resolution  is  to  die ; 
How  can  I  live  without  thee,  how  forego 
Thy  sweet  converse  and  love  so  dearly  join 'd, 
To  live  again  in  these  wild  woods  forlorn  ? 
Should  God  create  another  Eve,  and  I 
Another  rib  afford,  yet  loss  of  thee 
Would  never  from  my  heart ;  no  no,  I  feel 
The  link  of  nature  draw  me  :  flesh  of  flesh, 
Bone  of  my  bone  thou  art,  and  from  thy  state 
Mine  never  shall  be  parted,  bliss  or  wo. 


BOOK  IX.  J  1'ARADISE  LOST.  237 

So  having  said,  as  one  from  sad  dismay 
Recomforted,  and  after  thoughts  disturb'd 
Submitting  to  what  seem'd  remediless, 
Thus  in  calm  mood  his  words  to  Eve  he  turn'd : 

Bold  deed  thou  hast  presum'd,  adrent'roiis  Eve. 
And  peril  great  provok'd,  who  thus  hast  dar'd, 
Had  it  been  only  coveting  to  eye 
That  sacred  fruit,  sacred  to  abstinence, 
Much  more  to  taste  it  under  ban  to  touch. 
But  past  who  can  recal,  or  done  undo  ? 
Not  God  omnipotent,  nor  Fate;  yet  so 
Perhaps  thou  shall  not  die,  perhaps  the  fact 
Is  not  so  heinous  now,  foretasted  fruit, 
Profan'd  first  by  the  serpent,  by  him  first 
Made  common  and  unhallow'd  ere  our  taste ; 
Nor  yet  on  him  found  deadly,  he  yet  lives, 
Lives,  as  thou  saidst,  and  gains  to  live  as  man 
Higher  degree  of  life,  inducement  strong 
To  us,  as  likely  tasting  to  attain 
Proportional  ascent,  which  cannot  be 
But  to  be  gods,  or  angels,  demi-gods. 
Nor  can  I  think  that  God,  Creator  wise, 
Though  threat'ning,  will  in  earnest  so  destroy 
Us  his  prime  creatures,  dignify'd  so  high, 
Set  over  all  his  works,  which  in  our  fall, 
For  us  created,  needs  with  us  must  fail, 
Dependent  made ;  so  God  shall  uncreate, 
Be  frustrate,  do,  undo,  and  labour  lose, 
Not  well  conceiv'd  of  God,  who,  though  his  power 
Creation  could  repeat,  yet  would  be  loath 
Us  to  abolish,  lest  the  adversary 
Triumph  and  say  ;  Fickle  their  state  whom  God 
Most  favours ;  who  can  please  him  long  ?  Me  first 
He  ruin'd,  now  mankind ;  whom  will  he  next  ? 
Matter  of  scorn,  not  to  be  given  the  foe. 
However  I  with  thee  have  fix'd  my  lot, 
Certain  to  undergo  like  doom  ;  if  death 
Consort  with  thee,  death  is  to  me  as  life ; 
So  forcible  within  my  heart  I  feel 


Ji'lS  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  1 

The  bond  of  nature  draw  me  to  my  own. 
My  own  in  thee,  for  what  thou  art  is  mine  ; 
Our  state  cannot  be  sever'd,  we  are  one, 
One  flesh ;  to  lose  thee  were  to  lose  myself. 

So  Adam,  and  thus  Eve  to  him  reply 'd  • 
0  glorious  trial  of  exceeding  love, 
Illustrious  evidence,  example  high! 
Engaging  me  to  emulate,  but  short 
Of  thy  perfection,  how  shall  I  attain, 
Adam '{  from  whose  dear  side  I  boast  me  sprung, 
And  gladly  of  our  union  hear  thee  speak, 
One  heart,  one  soul  in  both  ;  whereof  good  proof 
This  day  affords,  declaring  thee  resolv'd, 
Rather  than  death  or  aught  than  death  more  dread 
Shall  separate  us,  link'd  in  love  so  dear. 
To  undergo  with  me  one  guilt,  one  crime, 
[f  any  be,  of  tasting  this  fair  fruit, 
Whose  virtue  (for  of  good  still  good  proceeds. 
Direct,  or  by  occasion)  hath  presented 
This  happy  trial  of  thy  love,  which  else 
So  eminently  never  had  been  known. 
Were  it  I  thought  death  menac'd  would  ensue 
This  my  attempt,  I  would  sustain  alone 
The  worst,  and  not  persuade  thee,  rather  die 
Deserted,  than  oblige  thee  with  a  fact 
Pernicious  to  thy  peace,  chiefly  assur'd 
Remarkably  so  late,  of  thy  so  true, 
So  faithful  love  unequaPd ;  but  I  feel 
Far  otherwise  th'  event,  not  death,  but  life 
Augmented,  open'd  eyes,  new  hopes,  new  joys 
Taste  so  divine,  that  what  of  sweet  before 
Hath  touch'd  my  sense,  flat  seems  to  this,  and  harxl, 
On  my  experience,  Adam,  freely  taste, 
And  fear  of  death  deliver  to  the  winds. 

So  saying,  she  ernbrac'd  him,  and  for  joy 
Tenderly  wept,  much  won  that  he  his  love 
Had  so  ennobled,  as  of  choice  to  incur 
Divine  displeasure  for  her  sake,  or  death. 
Tn  recompense  (for  such  compliance  bad 


BOOK  IX.  J  PARADISE  LOST.  f?'19 

Such  recompense  best  merits)  from  the  bough 

She  gave  him  of  that  fair  enticing  fruit 

With  liberal  hand  :  he  scrupled  not  to  eat 

A.gainst  his  better  knowledge,  not  deceiv'd, 

But  fondly  overcome  with  female  charm. 

Earth  trembled  from  her  entrails,  as  again 

In  pangs,  and  Nature  gave  a  second  groan, 

Sky  lour'd,  and  muttering  thunder,  some  sad  drops 

Wept  at  completing  of  the  mortal  sin: 

Original ;  while  Adam  took  no  thought, 

Eating  his  fill,  nor  Eve  to  iterate 

Her  former  trespass  fear'd,  the  more  to  soothe 

Him  with  her  lov'd  society  that  now 

As  with  new  wine  intoxicated  both, 

They  swim  in  mirth,  and  fancy  that  they  feel 

Divinity  within  them  breeding  wings 

Wherewith  to  scorn  the  earth  :  but  that  false  f'rui* 

Far  other  operation  first  display'd, 

Carnal  desire  inflaming;  he  on  Eve 

Began  to  cast  lascivious  eye,  she  him 

As  wantonly  repaid  ;  in  lust  they  burn  : 

Til1  Adam  thus  'gan  Eve  to  dalliance  move  : 

Eve,  now  I  see  thou  art  exact  of  taste, 
And  elegant,  of  sapience  no  small  part, 
Since  to  each  meaning  savour  we  apply, 
And  palate  call  judicious;  I  the  praise 
Yield  thee,  so  well  this  day  thou  hast  purvey'd 
Much  pleasure  we  have  lost,  while  we  abstam'd 
From  this  delightful  fruit,  nor  known  till  now 
True  relish,  tasting  ;  if  such  pleasure  be 
fn  things  to  us  forbidd'n,  it  might  be  wish'd, 
For  this  one  tree  had  been  forbidden  ten. 
But  come,  so  well  refresh 'd,  now  let  us  play, 
As  meet  is  after  such  delicious  fare ; 
For  never  did  thy  beauty  since  the  day 
I  saw  thee  first  and  wedded  thee,  adorn 'd 
With  all  perfections,  so  inflame  my  sense 
With  ardour  to  enjoy  thee,  fairer  now 
Than  ever,  bounty  of  this  virtuous  tree. 


240  PAKADISB  LOST.  [BOOK  I 

So  said  he,  and  forbore  not  glance  or  toy 
Of  amorous  intent,  well  understood 
Of  Eve,  whose  eye  darted  contagious  fire. 
Her  hand  he  seiz'd,  and  to  a  shady  bank, 
Thick  overhead  with  verdant  roof  embow'rd, 
He  led  her  nothing  loath ;  flow'rs  were  the  couch 
Pansies,  and  violets,  and  asphodel, 
And  hyacinth,  earth's  freshest  softest  lap. 
There  they  their  fill  of  love  and  love's  disport 
Took  largely,  of  their  mutual  guilt  the  seal, 
The  solace  of  their  sin,  till  dewy  sleep 
Oppress'd  them,  wearied  with  their  amorous  play, 
Soon  as  the  force  of  that  fallacious  fruit, 
That  with  exhilarating  vapour  bland 
About  their  spirits  had  play'd,  and  inmost  powera 
Made  err,  was  now  exhal'd ;  and  grosser  sleep 
Bred  of  unkindly  fumes,  with  conscious  dreams 
Encumber'd,  now  had  left  them  ;  up  they  rose 
As  from  unrest,  and  each  the  other  viewing, 
Soon  found  their  eyes  how  open'd,  and  their  mindv 
How  darken'd  ;  innocence,  that  as  a  veil 
Had  shadow'd  them  from  knowing  ill,  was  gone 
Just  confidence,  and  native  righteousness, 
And  honour  from  about  them,  naked  left 
To  guilty  shame  :  he  cover'd,  but  his  robe 
Uncover'd  more.     So  rose  the  Danite  strong 
Herculean  Sampson  from  the  harlot-lap 
Of  Philistean  Dalilah,  and  vvak'd 
Shorn  of  his  strength,  they  destitute  and  bare 
Of  all  their  virtue  :  silent,  and  in  face 
Confounded  long  they  sat,  as  stricken  mute, 
Till  Adam,  though  riot  less  than  E  ye  abash'd, 
At  length  gave  utterance  to  these  words  constrain J 

O  Eve,  in  evil  hour  thou  didst  give  ear 
To  that  false  worm,  of  whomsoever  taught 
To  counterfeit  man's  voice,  true  in  our  fall, 
False  in  our  promis'd  rising ;  since  our  eyes 
Open'd  we  find  indeed,  and  find  we  know 
Both  good  and  evil,  good  lost,  and  evil  got. 


EOOh   IJC.J  PARADISE  LOST.  241 

Bad  fruit  of  knowledge,  if  this  be  to  know 

Which  leaves  us  naked  thus,  of  honour  void, 

Of  innocence,  of  faith,  of  purity. 

Our  wonted  ornaments  now  soil'd  and  stain'd, 

And  in  our  faces  evident  the  signs 

Of  foul  concupiscence  :  whence  evil  store ; 

Ev'n  shame,  the  last  of  evils  ;  of  the  first 

Be  sure  then.     How  shall  I  behold  the  face 

Henceforth  of  God  or  angel  erst  with  joy 

And  rapture  so  oft  beheld  ?  those  heav'nly  shapes 

Will  dazzle  now  this  earthly  with  their  blaze 

Insufferably  bright.     0  might  1  here 

In  solitude  like  savage,  in  some  glade 

Obscur'd,  where  highest  woods  impenetrable 

To  star  or  sun-light  spread  their  umbrage  broad 

And  brown  as  evening :  cover  me,  ye  pines, 

Ye  cedars,  with  innumerable  boughs 

Hide  me,  where  I  may  never  see  them  more. 

But  let  us  now,  as  in  bad  plight,  devise 

What  best  may  for  the  present  serve  to  hide 

The  parts  of  each  from  other,  that  seem  most 

To  shame  obnoxious,  and  unseemliest  seen  : 

Some  tree,  whose  broad  smooth  leaves  together  sow'^ 

And  girded  on  our  loins,  may  cover  round 

Those  middle  parts,  that  this  new  comer  shame 

There  sit  not,  and  reproach  us  as  unclean. 

So  counsell'd  he,  and  both  together  went 
Into  the  thickest  wood ;  there  soon  they  chose 
The  fig-tree,  not  that  kind  for  fruit  renown'd, 
But  such  as  at  this  day  to  Indians  known 
In  Malabar  or  Decan  spread  her  arms 
Branching  so  broad  and  long,  that  in  the  ground 
The  bended  twigs  take  root,  and  daughters  grow 
About  the  mother  tree,  a  pillar'd  shade 
High  over-arch'd  and  echoing  walks  between ; 
There  oft  the  Indian  herdsman  shunning  heat 
Shelters  in  cool,  and  tends  his  pasturing  herds 
At  loop-holes  cut  thro'  thickest  shade.     Those  leave* 
They  gather'd,  broad  as  Amazonian  targe, 
21 


242  PARADISE    LOST.  [  I30UIC  IX 

And  with  what  skill  they  had,  together  sow'd 

To  gird  their  waist,  vain  covering  if  to  hide 

Their  guilt  and  dreaded  shame ;  0  how  unlike 

To  that  first  naked  glory  !  Such  of  late 

Columbus  found  th'  American,  so  girt 

With  feather'd  cincture,  naked  else  and  wild 

Among  the  trees  on  isles  and  woody  shores. 

Thus  fenc'd  and  as  they  thought,  their  shame  in  pnrt 

Cover'd,  but  not  at  rest,  or  ease  of  mind, 

They  sat  them  down  to  weep:  nor  only  tears 

Rain'd  at  their  eyes,  but  high  winds  worse  within 

Began  to  rise,  high  passions,  anger,  hate, 

Mistrust,  suspicion,  discord,  and  shook  sore 

Their  inward  state  of  mind,  calm  region  once 

And  full  of  peace,  now  tost  and  turbulent ; 

For  understanding  rul'd  not,  and  the  will 

Heard  not  her  lore,  both  in  subjection  now 

To  sensual  appetite,  who  from  beneath 

Usurping,  over  sov'reign  reason  claim'd 

Superior  sway :  from  thus  distemper'd  breast, 

Adam,  estrang'd  iii  look  and  altered  style, 

Speech  intermitted  thus  to  Eve  renew'd  : 

Would  thou  hadst  hearken'd  to  my  words  and  stay'd 
With  me  as  I  besought  thee,  when  that  strange 
Desire  of  wand'ring  this  unhappy  morn, 
I  know  not  whence,  possess'd  thee  ;  we  had  then 
Remain'd  still  happy,  not  as  now  despoil'd 
Of  all  our  good,  sham'd,  naked,  miserable. 
Let  none  henceforth  seek  needless  cause  t'  approve 
The  faith  they  owe  ;  when  earnestly  they  seek 
Such  proof,  conclude  they  then  begin  to  fail. 

To  whom  soon  mov'd  with  touch  of  blame  thus  Eve, 
What  words  have  pass'd  thy  lips,  Adam  severe ! 
Imput'st  thou  that  to  my  default,  or  will 
Of  wand'ring,  as  thou  call'st  it,  which  who  knows 
But  might  as  ill  have  happen'd  thou  being  by, 
Or  to  thyself  perhaps  1  hadst  thou  been  there, 
Or  here  th'  attempt,  thou  couldst  not  have  discernV 
Fraud  in  the  serpent,  speaking  as  he  spake; 


BOOt    ,A.J  PARADISE  LOST.  213 

No  ground  of  enmity  between  us  known, 
Why  he  should  mean  me  ill,  or  seek  to  harm. 
Was  I  to  have  never  parted  from  thy  side  ? 
As  good  have  grown  there  still  a  lifeless  rib. 
Being  as  I  am,  why  didst  not  thou  the  head 
Command  me  absolutely  not  to  go, 
Going  into  such  danger  as  thou  saidst  ? 
Too  facile  then  thou  didst  not  much  gainsay, 
iNay  didst  permit,  approve,  and  fair  dismiss. 
Racist  thou  been  firm  and  fix'd  in  thy  dissent, 
Neither  had  I  transgress'd,  nor  thou  with  me. 

To  whom  then  first  incens'd  Adam  reply'd : 
Is  this  the  love,  is  this  the  recompense 
Of  mine  to  thee,  ingrateful  Eve,  express'd 
Immutable  when  thou  wert  lost,  not  I, 
Who  might  have  liv'd  and  joy'd  immortal  bliss 
Yet  willingly  chose  rather  death  with  thee  ! 
And  am  I  now  upbraided  as  the  cause 
Of  thy  transgressing  ?  not  enough  severe, 
It  seems,  in  thy  restraint :  what  could  I  more  ? 
I  warn'd  thee,  I  admonish'd  thee,  foretold 
The  danger,  and  the  lurking  enemy 
That  lay  in  wait ;  beyond  this  had  been  force, 
And  force  upon  free  will  hath  here  no  place. 
But  confidence  then  bore  thee  on,  secure 
Either  to  meet  no  danger,  or  to  find 
Matter  of  glorious  trial ;  and  perhaps 
I  also  err'd  in  overmuch  admiring 
What  seem'd  in  thee  so  perfect,  that  I  thought 
No  evil  durst  attempt  thee,  but  I  rue 
That  error  now,  which  is  become  my  crime, 
And  thou  th'  accuser.     Thus  it  shall  befal 
Him  who  to  worth  in  women  overtrusting 
Lets  her  will  rule :  restraint  she  will  not  brook, 
And  left  to  herself,  if  evil  thence  ensue, 
She  first  his  weak  indulgence  will  accuse. 

Thus  tkey  in  mutual  accusation  spent 
The  fruitless  hours,  but  neither  self-condemning 
And  of  their  vain  contest  appear'd  no  end. 

END    Of   THE    NINTH    BOOK. 


THB 

TENTH  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE   ARGUMENT. 


MAN'S  transgression  known,  the  guardian  angels  forsake  Paradise, 
and  return  up  to  Heaven  to  approve  their  vigilance,  and  are  aj>- 
proved,  God  declaring  that  the  entrance  of  Satan  could  not  be  by 
them  prevented.  He  sends  his  Son  to  judge  the  transgressors, 
who  descends  and  gives  sentence  accordingly ;  then  in  pity  clothes 
them  both,  and  reascends. 

Sin  and  Death  sitting  till  then  at  the  gates  of  Hell,  by  won- 
drous sympathy  feeling  the  success  of  Satan  in  this  new  world, 
and  the  sin  by  man  there  committed,  resolves  to  sit  no  longer  con- 
fined in  Hell,  but  to  follow  Satan  their  sire  up  to  the  place  of 
man  :  to  make  the  way  easier  from  Hell  to  this  world  to  and  fro, 
they  pave  a  broad  high-way  or  bridge  over  Chaos,  according  to 
the  track  that  Satan  first  made ;  then  preparing  for  Earth,  they 
meet  him  proud  of  his  success,  returning  to  Hell ;  their  mutual 
gratulation.  Satan  arrives  at  Pandemonium,  in  full  assembly 
relates  with  boasting  his  success  against  man  :  instead  of  ap- 
plause is  entertained  with  a  general  hiss  by  all  his  audience, 
transformed  with  himself  also  suddenly  into  serpents,  according 
to  his  doom  given  in  Paradise ;  then  deluded  with  a  show  of  the 
forbidden  tree  springing  up  before  them,  they  greedily  reaching 
to  take  of  the  fruit,  chew  dust  and  bitter  ashes.  The  proceedings 
of  Sin  and  Death ;  God  foretels  the  final  victory  of  his  Son  over 
them,  and  the  renewing  of  all  things :  but  for  the  present  com- 
mands his  angels  to  make  several  alterations  in  the  Heavens  and 
elements.  Adam  more  and  more  perceiving  his  fallen  condition 
heavily  bewails,  rejects  the  condolement  of  Eve:  she  persists,  and 
at  length  appeases  him :  then  to  evade  the  curse  likely  to  fall 
on  their  oflspring,  proposes  to  Adam  violent  ways,  which  he  ap- 
proves not,  but  conceiving  better  hope,  puts  her  in  mind  of  the 
late  promise  made  them,  that  her  seed  should  be  revenged  on  the 
serpent,  and  exhorts  her  with  him  to  seek  peace  of  the  offended 
Deity,  by  repentance  and  supplication. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK   X. 

MEANWHILE  the  heinous  and  despiteful  act 
Of  Satan  done  in  Paradise,  and  how- 
He  in  the  serpent,  had  perverted  Eve, 
Her  husband  she,  to  taste  the  fatal  fruit, 
Was  known  in  heav'n  ;  for  what  can  'scape  the  eye 
Of  God  all-seeing,  or  deceive  his  heart 
Omniscient  ?  who  in  all  things  wise  and  just, 
Hinder'd  not  Satan  to  attempt  the  mind 
Of  man,  with  strength  entire  and  free  will  arm 'd, 
Complete  to  have  discover'd  and  repuls'd 
Whatever  wiles  of  foe  or  seeming  friend. 
For  still  they  knew,  and  ought  to  have  slill   remem 

ber'd 

The  high  injunction  not  to  taste  that  fruit, 
Whoever  tempted  ;  which  they  not  obeying, 
Incurr'd  (what  could  they  less  ?)  the  penalty, 
And  manifold  in  sin,  deserv'd  to  fall. 
Up  into  hoav'n  from  Paradise  in  haste 
The  angelic  guards  ascended,  mute  and  sa<] 
For  man,  for  of  his  state  by  this  they  knew, 
Much  wond'ring  how  the  subtle  fiend  had  stol'n 
Entrance  unseen.     Soon  as  th'  unwelcome  now? 
from  earth,  arriv'd  at  heav'n  gate,  displeasM 
All  were  who  heard :  dim  sadness  did  not  spare 
That  time  celestial  visages,  yet  mix'd 


248  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  X 

With  pity,  violated  not  their  bliss. 

About  the  new-arriv'd,  in  multitudes 

Th'  etherial  people  ran,  to  hear  and  know 

How  all  befel ;  they  towards  the  throne  supreme, 

Accountable  made  haste  to  make  appear 

With  righteous  plea  their  utmost  vigilance, 

And  easily  approv'd ;  when  the  most  high 

Eternal  Father,  from  his  secret  cloud  : 

Amidst,  in  thunder  utter'd  thus  his  voice : 

Assembled  angels,  and  ye  pow'rs  return 'd 
From  unsuccessful  charge,  be  not  dismay'd, 
Nor  troubled  at  these  tidings  from  the  earth. 
Which  your  sincerest  care  could  not  prevent, 
Foretold  so  lately  what  would  come  to  pass. 
When  first  this  tempter  cross'd  the  gulf  from  hell. 
1  told  ye  then  he  should  prevail  and  speed 
On  his  bad  errand,  man  should  be  seduc'd 
And  flatter'd  out  of  all,  believing  lies 
Against  his  Maker  ;  no  decree  of  mine 
Concurring  to  necessitate  his  fall, 
Or  touch  with  lightest  moment  of  impulse 
His  free  will,  to  her  own  inclining  left 
In  even  scale.     But  fallen  he  is,  and  now 
What  rests,  but  that  the  mortal  sentence  pas* 
On  his  transgression,  death  denounc'd  that  day  ? 
Which  he  presumes  already  vain  and  void, 
Because  not  yet  inflicted,  as  he  fear'd, 
By  some  immediate  stroke  ;  but  soon  shall  find 
Forbearance  no  acquittance,  ere  day  end 
Justice  shall  not  return  as  bounty  scorn'd. 
Bui  whom  send  I  to  judge  them?  whom  but  thee 
Vicegerent  Son?  to  thee  I  have  transferr'd 
All  judgment  whether  in  heav'n,  or  earth,  or  hell. 
Easy  it  may  be  seen  that  I  intend 
Mercy  colleague  with  justice,  sending  thee 
Man's  friend,  his  mediator,  his  design'd 
Both  ransom  and  redeemer  voluntary, 
And  destin'd  man  himself  to  judge  man  fall'n. 


BOOK  X.]  PARADISE  LOST.  249 

So  spake  the  Father,  and  unfolding  bright 
Toward  the  right  hand  his  glory,  on  the  Son 
Blaz'd  forth  unclouded  deity;  he  full 
Resplendent  all  his  Father  manifest 
Express'd,  and  thus  divinely  answer'd  mild : 

Father  eternal,  thine  is  to  decree, 
Mine  both  in  heav'n  and  earth,  to  do  thy  will 
Supreme,  that  thou  in  me  thy  Son  belov'd 
Mayst  ever  rest  well  pleas'd.     I  go  to  judge 
On  earth  these  thy  transgressors,  but  thou  know'st, 
Whoever  judg'd,  the  worst  on  me  must  light. 
When  time  shall  be,  for  so  I  undertook 
Before  thee ;  and  not  repenting,  this  obtain 
Of  right,  that  I  may  mitigate  their  doom 
On  me  deriv'd,  yet  I  shall  temper  so 
Justice  with  mercy,  as  may  illustrate  most 
Them  fully  satisfy'd,  and  thee  appease. 
Attendance  none  shall  need,  nor  train,  where  n  me 
Are  to  behold  the  judgment,  but  the  jug'd, 
Those  two;  the  third  best  absent  is  condemn'd, 
Convict,  by  flight,  and  rebel  to  all  law  : 
Conviction  to  the  serpent  none  belongs. 

Thus  saying  from  his  radiant  seat  he  rose 
Of  high  collateral  glory  :  him  thrones  and  powers, 
Princedoms,  and  dominations  ministrant 
Accompanied  to  heav'n  gate,  from  whence 
Eden  and  all  the  coast  in  prospect  lay. 
Down  he  descended  straight;  the  speed  of  gods 
Time  counts  not,  tho'  with  swiftest  minutes  wing  d. 
Now  was  the  sun  in  western  cadence  low 
From  noon,  and  gentle  airs  due  at  their  hour 
To  fan  the  earth  now  wak'd,  and  usher  in 
The  evening  cool,  when  he  from  wrath  more  cool 
Came  the  mild  judge  and  intercessor  both 
To  sentence  man :  the  voice  of  God  they  heard 
Now  walking  in  the  garden,  by  soft  winds 
Brought  to  their  ears,  while  day  declin'd ;  they  heard, 
A.nd  from  his  presence  hid  themselves  among 
The  thickest  trees,  both  man  and  wife,  till  God 


050  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  X. 

Approaching,  thus  to  Adam  call'd  aloud : 
Where  art  thou  Adam,  wont  with  joy  to  meet 
My  coming  seen  far  otf  ?  I  miss  thee  here, 
Not  pleas'd,  thus  entertain'd  \\ith  solitude, 
Where  obvious  duty  erewhile  appear'd  unsought : 
Or  come  I  less  conspicuous,  or  what  change 
Absents  thee,  or  what  chance  detain  ?  Come  forth  ! 

He  came,  and  with  him  Eve,  more  loath,  though 

first 

To  offend,  discount'nanc'd  both,  and  discompos'ii ; 
Love  was  not  in  their  looks,  either  to  God 
Or  to  each  other,  but  apparent  guilt, 
And  shame,  and  perturbation,  and  despair, 
Anger,  and  obstinacy,  and  hate,  and  guile. 
Whence  Adam,  falt'ring  long,  thus  answer'd  brief, 
I  heard  thee  in  the  garden,  and  of  thy  voice 
Afraid,  being  naked,  hid  myself.     To  whom 
The  gracious  judge,  without  revile  reply'd  : 
My  voice  thou  oft  host  heard,  and  hast  not  fear'd, 
But  still  rejoic'd ;  how  is  it  now  become 
So  dreadful  to  thee  ?  that  thou  art  naked,  who 
Hath  told  thee  ?  hast  thou  eaten  of  the  tree, 
Whereof  I  gave  thee  charge  thou  shouldst  not  cat  1 

To  whom  thus  Adam  sore  beset  replied : 

0  heav'n  !  in  evil  strait  this  day  I  stand 
Before  my  judge,  either  to  undergo 
Myself  the  total  crime,  or  to  accuse 
My  other  self,  the  partner  of  my  life ; 
Whose  failing,  while  her  faith  to  me  remains, 

1  should  conceal,  and  not  expose  to  blame 
By  my  complaint ;  but  strict  necessity 
Subdues  me,  and  calamitous  constraint. 
Lest  on  my  head  both  sin  and  punishment, 
However  insupportable,  be  all 

Devolv'd  :  though  should  I  hold  my  peace,  yet  ihoti 

Wouldst  easily  detect  what  I  conceal. 

This  woman,  whom  thou  mad'stto  be  my  help, 

And  gav'st  me  as  thy  perfect  gift,  so  good, 

So  fit,  so  acceptable,  so  divine. 


BOOK  X.j  PARADISE   LOST.  251 

That  from  her  hand  I  could  suspect  no  ill 
And  what  she  did,  whatever  in  itself, 
Her  doing  seem'd  to  justify  the  deed  ; 
She  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat. 

To  whom  the  sov'reign  Presence  thus  reply'd  : 
Was  she  thy  God,  that  her  thou  didst  obey 
Before  his  voice,  or  was  she  made  thy  guide 
Superior,  or  but  equal,  that  to  her 
Thou  didst  thy  manhood,  and  the  place 
Wherein  God  set  thee  above  her  made  of  thee, 
And  for  thee,  whose  perfection  far  excell'd 
Hers  in  real  dignity?  Adorn 'd 
She  was  indeed,  and  lovely  to  attract 
Thy  love,  not  thy  subjection  ;  and  her  gifts 
Were  such  as  under  government  well  seem'd, 
Unseemly  to  bear  rule,  which  was  thy  part 
And  person  hadst  thou  known  thyself  aright. 

So  having  said,  he  thus  to  Eve  in  few : 
Say,  woman,  what  is  this  which  thou  hast  done  ? 

To  whom  sad  Eve  with  shame  nigh  overwhelm  VI 
Confessing  soon,  yet  not  before  her  judge 
Bold  or  loquacious,  thus  abash 'd  reply'd  : 
The  serpent  me  beguil'd  and  I  did  eat. 

Which  when  the  Lord  God  heard,  without  d-elay 
To  judgment  he  proceeded  on  th'  accus'd 
Serpent  though  brute,  unable  to  transfer 
The  guilt  on  him  who  made  him  instrument 
Of  mischief,  and  polluted  from  the  end 
Of  his  creation  :  justly  then  accurs'd. 
As  vitiated  in  nature  ;  more  to  know 
Concern'd  not  man  (since  he  no  further  knew) 
Nor  alter'd  his  offence ;  yet  God  at  last 
To  satan  first  in  sin  his  doom  apply'd, 
Though  in  mysterious  terms,  judged  as  then  best: 
And  on  the  serpent  thus  his  curse  let  fall : 
Because  thou  hast  done  this,  thou  art  accurs'd 
Above  all  cattle,  each  beast  of  the  field ; 
Upon  thy  belly  groveling  thou  shalt  go, 
And  du?t  shall  eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 


262  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  i. 

Between  thee  and  the  woman,  I  will  put 

Enmity,  and  between  thine  and  her  seed  ; 

Her  seed  shall  bruise  thy  head,  thou  bruise  his  heel 

So  spake  this  oracle,  then  verify'd 
When  Jesus  son  of  Mary,  second  Eve, 
Saw  Satan  fall  like  lightning  down  from  heav'n. 
Prince  of  the  air ;  then  rising  from  his  grave 
Spoil'd  principalities  and  pow'rs,  triumph'd 
In  open  show,  and  with  ascension  bright, 
Captivity  led  captive  through  the  air, 
The  realm  itself  of  Satan  long  usurp'd, 
Whom  he  shall  tread  at  last  under  our  feet ; 
Ev'n  he  who  now  foretold  his  fatal  bruise, 
And  to  the  woman  thus  his  sentence  turn'd : 
Thy  sorrow  I  will  greatly  multiply 
By  thy  conception ;  children  thou  shall  bring 
In  sorrow  forth  ;  and  to  thy  husband's  will 
'l  hine  shall  submit ;  he  over  thee  shall  rule. 

On  Adam  last  thus  judgment  he  pronounc'd  : 
Because  thou  hast  hearken'd  to  the  voice  of  thy  wife 
And  eaten  of  the  tree,  concerning  which 
I  charg'd  thee  saying,  Thou  shall  not  eat  thereof: 
Curs'd  is  the  ground  for  thy  sake ;  thou  in  sorrow 
Shalt  eat  thereof  all  the  days  of  thy  life  ; 
Thorns  also  and  thistles  it  shall  bring  thee  forth 
tTnbid  ;  and  thou  shall  eat  lh'  herb  of  ihe  field. 
In  ihe  sweat  of  thy  face  shall  ihou  eal  bread, 
Till  ihou  relurn  unlo  ihe  ground  ;  for  thou 
Out  of  the  ground  wast  taken,  know  thy  birth, 
For  dust  thou  art,  and  shall  to  dust  return. 

So  judg'd  he  man,  both  judge  and  saviour  sent, 
And  th'  instant  stroke  of  death  denounc'd  that  clay 
Remov'd  far  off:  then  pitying  how  they  stood 
Before  him  naked  to  the  air,  that  now 
Must  suffer  change,  disdain'd  not  to  begin 
Thenceforth  the  form  of  servant  to  assume. 
As  when  he  wash'd  his  servants'  feet,  so  now, 
As  father  of  his  family  he  Hart 
Their  nakedness  with  skins  of  beasts,  ov  slam. 


UOOK  X.|  PARADISE  LOST.  2/53 

Or  as  the  snake  with  youthful  coat  repaid ; 

And  thought  not  much  to  clothe  his  enemies ; 

Nor  he  their  outward  only  with  the  skins 

Of  beasts,  but  inward  nakedness,  much  more 

Opprobrious,  with  his  robe  of  righteousness, 

Arraying  cover'd  from  his  Father's  sight. 

To  him  with  swift  ascent  he  up  return'd. 

Into  his  blissful  bosom  reassum'd 

In  glory  as  of  old  ;  to  him  appeas'd 

All,  though  all-knowing,  what  had  pass'd  with  man 

Recounted,  mixing  intercession  sweet. 

Meanwhile  ere  thus  was  sinn'd  and  judg'd  on  Eardl, 
Within  the  gates  of  hell  sat  Sin  and  Death. 
In  counterview  within  the  gates,  that  now 
Stood  open  wide,  belching  outrageous  flame 
Far  into  Chaos,  since  the  fiend  pass'd  through, 
Sin  opening,  \  ho  thus  now  to  Death  began  : 

0  son,  why  sit  we  here  each  other  veiwing 
Idly,  while  Satan  our  great  author  thrives 
In  other  worlds,  and  happier  seat  provides 
For  us  his  offspring  dear  ?  It  cannot  be 
But  that  success  attends  him  ;  if  mishap, 
Ere  this  he  had  return'd,  with  fury  driven 
By  his  avengers,  since  no  place  like  "this 
Can  fit  his  punishment,  or  their  revenge. 
Methinks  I  feel  new  strength  within  me  rise, 
Wings  growing,  and  dominion  given  me  large 
Beyond  this  deep ;  whatever  draws  me  on, 
Or  sympathy,  or  some  connatural  force 
Pow'rful  at  greatest  distance  to  unite 
With  secret  amity  things  of  like  kind 
By  secretest  conveyance      Thou  my  shade 
Inseparable  must  with  me  along  : 
For  Death  from  Sin  no  pow'r  can  separate. 
But  lest  the  difficulty  of  passing  back 
Stay  his  return  perhaps  over  this  gulf 
Impassable,  impervious,  let  us  try 
Advent'rous  work,  yet  to  thy  pow'r  and  mine 
Not  unagreeable,  to  found  a  path 

•22 


2M  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  X 

Over  this  main  from  hell  to  that  new  world 
Where  Satan  now  prevails,  a  monument 
Of  merit  high  to  all  th'  infernal  host, 
Easing  their  passage  hence,  for  intercourse, 
Or  transmigration,  as  their  lot  shall  lead. 
Nor  ran  I  miss  the  way,  so  strongly  drawn 
By  tftis  new  felt  attraction  and  instinct. 

Whom  thus  the  meagre  shadow  answer'd  soon : 
Go  whither  fate  and  inclination  strong 
Leads  thee  ;  I  shall  not  lag  behind,  nor  err 
The  way,  thou  leading,  such  a  scent  I  draw 
Of  carnage,  prey  innumerable,  and  taste 
The  savour  of  death  from  all  things  there  that  hve 
Nor  shall  I  to  the  work  thou  enterprises! 
Be  wanting,  but  afford  thee  equal  aid. 

So  saying,  with  delight  he  snuff  'd  the  smell 
Of  mor»tal  change  on  earth.     As  when  a  flock 
Of  ravenous  fowl,  though  many  a  league  remote, 
\gainst  the  day  of  battle,  to  a  field, 
Vhere  armies  lie  encamp'd,  come  flying,  lur'd 
W^ith  scent  of  living  carcasses  design'd 
For  death  the  following  day,  in  bloody  fight : 
So  scented  the  grim  feature,  and  upturn'd 
His  nostril  wide  into  the  murky  air, 
Sagacious  of  his  quarry  from  so  far. 
Then  both  from  out  hell  gates  into  the  waste 
Wide  anarchy  of  Chaos  damp  and  dark 
Flew  diverse,  and  with  pow'r  (their  pow'r  was  gveaM 
Hovering  upon  the  waters,  what  they  met 
Solid  or  slimy,  as  in  raging  sea 
Tost  up  and  down,  together  crowded  drove 
From  each  side  shoaling  towards  the  mouth  of  hell 
As  when  two  polar  winds,  blowing  adverse, 
Upon  the  Cronian  sea,  together  drive 
Mountains  of  ice,  that  stop  th'  imagin'd  way 
Beyond  Petsora  eastward,  to  the  rich 
Cathaian  coast.     The  aggregated  soil 
Death  with  his  mace  pelrific,  cold  and  dry, 
\s  with  a  trident  smote,  and  fix'd  as  firm 


BOOK  \.|  PARADISE  LOST,  2«V> 

As  Delos  floating  once  ;  the  rest  his  look 

Bound  with  Gorgonian  rigour  not  to  move ; 

And  with  asphaltic  slime,  broad  as  the  gate, 

Deep  as  the  roots  of  hell  ihe  gather'd  beach 

They  fasten'd,  and  the  mole  immense  wrought  on 

Over  the  foaming  deep  high  arch'd,  a  bridge 

Of  length  prodigious,  joining  to  the  wall 

Immoveable  of  this  now  fenceless  world 

Forfeit  to  Death  ;  from  hence  a  passage  broad, 

Smooth,  easy,  inoffensive  down  to  hell. 

So  if  great  things  to  small  may  be  compar'd, 

Xerxes,  the  liberty  of  Greece  to  yoke, 

From  Susa,  his  Memnonian  palace  high, 

Came  to  the  sea,  and  over  Hellespont 

Bridging  his  way,  Europe  with  Asia  join'd; 

And  scourg'd  with  many  a  stroke  the  indignant  waves. 

Now  had  they  brought  the  work  by  wondrous  art 

Pontifical,  a  ridge  of  pendant  rock, 

Over  the  vex'd  abyss,  following  the  track 

Of  Satan  to  the  self-same  place  where  he 

First  lighted  from  his  wing,  and  landed  safe 

From  out  of  Chaos,  to  the  outside  bare 

Of  this  round  world  :  with  pins  of  adamant 

And  chains  they  made  all  fast,  too  fast  they  made 

And  durable ;  and  now  in  little  space 

The  confines  met  of  empyrean  heav'n 

And  of  this  world,  and  on  the  left  hand  hell 

With  long  reach  interpos'd;  three  several  ways 

In  sight,  to  each  of  these  three  places  led. 

And  now  their  way  to  earth  they  had  descry'd 

To  Paradise  first  tending,  when  behold 

Satan  in  likeness  of  an  angel  bright 

Betwixt  the  Centaur  and  the  Scorpion  steering 

His  zenith,  while  the  sun  in  Aries  rose  : 

Disguis'd  he  came,  but  those  his  children  dear 

Their  parent  soon  discern'd,  though  in  disguise 

He  after  Eve  seduc'd,  unminded  slunk 

into  the  wood  fast  by,  and  changing  shape 

To  observe  the  sequel,  paw  his  guileful  act 


250  PARADISE  LOST.  flJOOK  X 

By  Eve,  though  all  unweeting  seconded 

Upon  her  husband,  saw  their  shame  that  sought 

Vain  covertures ;  but  when  he  saw  descend 

The  Son  of  God  to  judge  them,  terrify'd 

He  fled,  not  hoping  to  escape,  but  shun 

Th.3  present,  fearing  guilty  what  his  wrath 

Might  suddenly  inflict ;  that  past,  retura'd 

By  night,  and  list'ning  where  the  hapless  pair 

Sat  in  their  sad  discourse,  and  various  plaint ; 

Thence  gather'd  his  own  doom,  which  understood 

Not  instant,  but  of  future  time,  with  joy 

And  tidings  fraught,  to  hell  he  now  return'd, 

And  at  the  brink  of  Chaos,  near  the  foot 

Of  this  new  wondrous  pontifice,  unhop'd 

Met  who  to  meet  him  came,  his  offspring  dear. 

Great  joy  was  at  their  meeting,  and  at  sight 

Of  that  stupendous  bridge  his  joy  increas'd. 

Long  he  admiring  stood,  till  Sin,  his  fair 

Enchanting  daughter,  thus  the  silence  broke  : 

O  parent,  these  are  thy  magnific  deeds, 
Thy  trophies,  which  thou  view'st  as  not  thine  ow.*\ ; 
Thou  art  their  author  and  prime  architect : 
For  I  no  sooner  in  my  heart  divin'd, 
My  heart,  which  by  a  secret  harmony 
Still  moves  with  thine,  join'd  in  connexion  sweei. 
That  thou  on  eaith  hadst  prosper'd,  which  thy  lookt 
Now  also  evidence,  but  straight  I  felt 
Though  distant  from  the  worlds  between,  yet  felt 
That  I  must  after  thee  with  this  thy  son, 
Such  fatal  consequence  unites  us  three  : 
Hell  could  no  longer  hold  us  in  her  bounds, 
Nor  this  unvoyageable  gulf  obscure 
Detain  from  following  thy  illustrious  track. 
Thou  hast  achiev'd  our  liberty,  confin'd 
Within  hell  gates  till  now,  thou  us  impowerM 
To  fortify  thus  far,  and  overlay 
With  this  portentous  bridge  the  dark  abyss. 
Thine  now  is  all  this  world ;  thy  virtue  hath  won 
What  thy  hands  bui'ded  not,  thy  wisdom  g;iiVd 


BOOK  X.]  PARADISE   LOST.  V.5? 

With  odds  what  war  hath  lost,  and  fully  aveng'd 
Our  foil  in  heav'n  ;  here  thou  shalt  monarch  reign. 
There  didst  not ;  there  let  him  still  victor  sway, 
As  battle  hath  ajudg'd,  from  this  new  world 
Retiring,  by  his  own  doom  alienated, 
And  henceforth  monarchy  with  thee  divide 
Of  all  things  parted  by  th'  empyreal  bounds, 
His  quadrature,  from  thy  orbicular  world, 
Or  try  thee  now  more  dang'rous  to  his  throne. 

Whom  thus  the  prince  of  darkness  answer'd  glad  , 
Fair  daughter,  and  thou  son  and  grandchild  both, 
High  proof  ye  now  have  giv'n  to  be  the  race 
Of  Satan  (for  I  glory  in  the  name, 
Antagonist  of  heav'n's  almighty  King,) 
Amply  have  merited  of  me,  of  all 
Th'  infernal  empire,  that  so  near  heav'n's  door 
Triumphal  with  triumphal  act  have  met, 
Mine  with  this  glorious  work,  and  made  one  realm 
Hell  and  this  world,  one  realm,  one  continent 
Of  easy  thorough-fare.     Therefore  while  I 
Descend  through  darkness,  on  your  road  with  ease, 
To  my  associate  pow'rs,  them  to  acquaint 
With  these  successes,  and  with  them  rejoice, 
You  two  this  way,  among  these  numerous  orbs 
All  yours,  right  down  to  Paradise  descend ; 
There  dwell  and  reign  in  bliss,  thence  on  the  earh 
Dominion  exercise  and  in  the  air, 
Chiefly  on  man,  sole  lord  of  all  declar'd 
Him  first  make  sure  your  thrall,  and  lastly  kill. 
My  substitutes  I  send  ye,  and  create 
Plenipotent  on  earth,  of  matchless  might 
Issuing  from  me  :  on  your  joint  vigour  now 
My  hold  of  this  new  kingdom  all  depends, 
Through  Sin  to  Death  expos'd  by  my  exploit. 
If  your  joint  power  prevail,  th'  affairs  of  hell 
No  detriment  need  fear;  go  and  be  strong. 

So  saying,  he  dismiss'd  them ;  they  with  speed 
Then  course  through  thickest  conste'lations  held. 
Spreading  their  bane;  the  blasted  stars  look'd  wan 
22* 


25S  PAR  A  DISK  LOST.  [BOOK  X. 

And  planets,  planet-struck,  real  eclipse   - 

Then  sufFer'd.     Th'  other  way  Satan  \vt-nt  down 

The  causey  to  hell  gate ;  on  either  side 

Disparted  Chaos  overbuilt  exclaim'd, 

And  with  rebounding  surge  the  bars  assail'd, 

That  scorn'd  his  indignation :  through  the  gales, 

Wide  open  and  unguarded,  Satan  pass'd, 

And  all  about  found  desolate ;  for  those 

Appointed  to  sit  there,  had  left  their  charge, 

Flown  to  the  upper  world ;  the  rest  were  all 

Far  to  the  inland  retir'd,  about  the  walls 

Of  Pandemonium,  city  and  proud  seat 

Of  Lucifer,  so  by  allusion  call'd, 

Of  that  bright  star  to  Satan  paragon'd. 

There  kept  their  watch  the  legions,  while  the  yranJ 

In  council  sat,  solicitous  what  chance 

Might  intercept  their  emp'ror  sent ;  so  he 

Departing  gave  command,  and  they  observ'd. 

As  when  the  Tartar  from  his  Russian  Cue 
By  Astracan,  over  the  snowy  plains 
Retires,  or  Bactrian  sophi  from  the  horns 
Of  Turkish  crescent,  leaves  all  waste  beyond 
The  realm  of  Aladule,  in  his  retreat 
To  Taurus  or  Casbeen :  so  these  the  late 
Heav'n-banish'd  host,  left  desert  utmost  hell 
Many  a  dark  league,  reduc'd  in  careful  watch 
Round  their  metropolis,  and  now  expecting 
Each  hour  their  great  adventurer  from  the  search 
Of  foreign  worlds  :  he  through  the  midst  unmark  c? 
In  show  plebian,  angel  militant 
Of  lowest  order,  pass'd  ;  and  from  the  door 
Of  that  Plutonian  hall,  invisible 
Ascended  his  high  throne,  which  under  state 
Of  richest  texture  spread,  at  the  upper  end 
Was  plac'd  in  regal  lustre.     Down  awhile 
He  sat,  and  round  about  him  saw  unseen  ; 
At  last  as  from  a  cloud  his  fulgent  head 
And  shape  star-bright  appear'd,  or  brighter  clad 
With  what  permissive  glory  since  his  fall 


BOOKX.]  PARADISE  LOST.  2/»9 

Was  left  him,  or  false  glitter:  ail  amaz'd 
At  that  so  sudden  blaze  the  Stygian  throng 
Bent  their  aspect,  and  whom  they  wish'd  beheld, 
Their  mighty  chief  return'd  :  loud  was  th'  acclaim  ; 
Forth  rush'd  in  haste  the  great  consulting  peers, 
Rais'd  from  their  dark  divan,  and  with  like  joy 
Congratulant  approach'd  him,  who  with  hand 
Silence,  and  with  these  words  attention  won  : 

Thrones,  dominations,  princedoms,  virtues,  powers, 
For  in  possession  such,  not  only  of  right, 
I  call  ye  and  declare  ye  now,  return'd 
Successful  beyond  hope,  to  lead  ye  forth 
Triumphant  out  of  this  infernal  pit 
Abominable,  accurs'd,  the  house  of  wo, 
And  dungeon  of  our  tyrant :  now  possess, 
As  lords,  a  spacious  world,  to  our  native  heav'n 
Little  inferior,  by  my  adventure  hard 
With  peril  great  achiev'd.     Long  were  to  teil 
What  I  have  done,  what  suffer'd,  with  what  pain 
Voyag'd  th'  unreal,  vast,  unbounded  deep 
Of  horrible  confusion,  over  which 
By  Sin  and  Death  a  broad  way  now  is  pav'd 
To  expedite  your  glorious  march  ;  but  I 
Toil'd  out  my  uncouth  passage,  forc'd-to  ride 
Th'  untractable  abyss,  plung'd  in  the  womb 
Of  unoriginal  Night  and  Chaos  wild, 
That  jealous  of  their  secrets  fiercely  oppos'd 
My  j   -irney  strange,  with  clamorous  uproar 
Protesting  Fate  supreme;  thence  how  I  found 
The  new  created  world,  which  fame  in  heav'n 
Long  had  foretold,  a  fabric  wonderful 
Of  absolute  perfection,  therein  man 
Plac'd  in  a  Paradise,  by  our  exile 
Made  happy ;  him  by  fraud  I  have  seduc'd 
From  his  Creator,  and  the  more  to  increase 
Your  wonder,  with  an  apple ;  he  thereat 
Offended,  worth  your  laughter,  hath  giv'n  up 
Both  his  beloved  man  and  all  his  world, 
To  Sin  and  Death  a  prey,  and  so  to  us, 


200  PARADISE   LOST.  [iJOOK  X 

Without  our  hazard,  labour,  or  alarm. 
To  range  in,  and  to  dwell,  and  over  man 
To  rule,  as  over  all  he  should  have  rul'd. 
True  is,  me  also  he  hath  judg'd,  or  rather 
Me  not,  but  the  brute  serpent  in  whose  shape 
Man  I  deceiv'd ;  that  which  to  me  belongs 
Is  enmity,  which  he  will  put  between 
I  Me  and  mankind ;  I  am  to  bruise  his  heel ; 
His  seed,  when  is  not  set,  shall  bruise  my  head  : 
A  world  who  would  not  purchase  with  a  bruise, 
Or  much  more  grievous  pain  ?  Ye  have  th'  account 
Of  my  performance  :  what  remains,  ye  gods> 
But  up  and  enter  now  into  full  bliss  ? 

So  having  said,  awhile  he  stood,  expecting 
Their  universal  shout  and  high  applause 
To  fill  his  ear,  when  contrary  he  hears 
On  all  sides  from  innumerable  tongues 
A  dismal  universal  hiss,  the  sound 
Of  public  scorn  ;  he  wonder'd,  but  not  long 
Had  leisure,  wondering  at  himself  now  more  ; 
His  visage  drawn  he  felt  to  sharp  and  spare, 
His  arms  clung  to  his  ribs,  his  legs  intwining 
Each  other,  till  supplanted  down  he  fell 
A  monstrous  serpent  on  his  belly  prone, 
Reluctant,  but  in  vain,  a  greater  power 
Now  rul'd  him,  punish'd  in  the  shape  he  sinn'd. 
According  to  his  doom ;  he  would  have  spoke, 
But  hiss  for  hiss  return'd  with  forked  tongue 
To  forked  tongue,  for  now  were  all  transform'd 
Alike,  to  serpents  all  as  accessories 
To  his  bold  riot :  dreadful  was  the  din 
Of  hissing  through  the  hall,  thick  swarming  now 
With  complicated  monsters  head  and  tail, 
Scorpion  and  asp,  amphisaena  dire, 
Cerastes  horn'd,  hydras,  and  elops  drear. 
And  dipsas  (not  so  thick  swarm'd  once  the  soil 
Be-dropt  with  blood  of  gorgon,  or  the  isle 
Ophiusa,)  but  still  greatest  he  the  midst. 
Now  dragon  grown,  larger  than  whom  the  sun 


BOOK  X.]  PARADISE  LOST.  2tll 

Ingender'd  in  the  Pythian  vale  on  slime, 
Huge  Python,  and  his  povv'r  no  less  he  seem'd 
Above  the  rest  still  to  retain ;  they  all 
Him  follow'd  issuing  forth  to  the  open  field, 
Where  all  yet  left  of  that  revolted  rout 
Heav'n-fall'n,  in  station  stood  or  just  array, 
Sublime,  with  expectation  when  to  see 
In  triumph  issuing  forth  their  glorious  chief; 
They  saw,  but  other  sight  instead,  a  crowd 
Of  ugly  serpents  ;  horror  on  them  fell, 
And  horrid  sympathy ;  for  what  they  saw, 
They  felt   themselves   now   changing;  down 

arms, 

Down  fell  both  spear  and  shield,  down  they  as  fast, 
And  the  dire  hiss  renew'd,  and  the  dire  form 
Catch'd  by  contagion,  like  in  punishment, 
As  in  their  crime.  Thus  was  th'  applause  they  meant, 
Turn'd  to  exploding  hiss,  triumph  .to  shame 
Cast  on  themselves  from  their  own  mouths.     There 

stood 

A  grove  hard  by,  sprung  up  with  this  their  change, 
His  will  who  reigns  above,  to  aggravate 
Their  penance,  laden  with  fair  fruit,  like  that 
Which  grew  in  Paradise,  the  bait  of  Eve 
Us'd  by  the  tempter ;  on  that  prospect  strange 
Their  earnest  eyes  they  fix'd,  imagining 
For  one  forbidden  tree  a  multitude 
Now  ris'n,  to  work  them  further  wo  or  shame : 
Yet  parch'd  with  scalding  thirst  and  hunger  fierce. 
Though  to  delude  them  sent,  could  not  abstain, 
But  on  they  roll'd  in  heaps,  and  up  the  trees 
Climbing,  sat  thicker  than  the  snaky  locks 
That  curl'd  Megsera :  greedily  they  pluck'd 
The  fruitage  fair  to  sight,  like  that  which  grew 
Near  that  bituminous  lake  where  Sodom  flam'd  • 
This  more  delusive,  not  the  touch,  but  taste 
Deceiv'd ;  they  fondly  thinking  to  allay 
Their  appetite  with  gust,  instead  of  fruit, 
Chew'd  bitter  ashes,  which  th'  offended  taste 


VARADISE   LOST.  [bOOK   A 

With  spattering  noise  rejected  :  oft  they  assay'd. 

Hunger  and  thirst  constraining,  drugg'd  as  oft, 

With  hatefulest  disrelish  writh'd  their  jaws 

With  soot  and  cinders  fill'd ;  so  oft  they  fell 

Into  the  same  illusion,  not  as  man 

Wh®m  they  triumph'd  once  laps'd.     Thus  were  they 

plagu'd 

And  worn  with  famine,  long  and  ceaseless  hiss, 
Till  their  lost  shape,  permitted,  they  resum'd, 
Yearly  enjoin'd  some  say,  to  undergo 
This  annual  humbling  certain  number'd  days, 
To  dash  their  pride,  and  joy  for  man  seduc'd. 
However  some  tradition  they  dispers'd 
Among  the  heathen  of  their  purchase  got, 
And  fabled  how  the  serpent,  whom  they  call'd 
Ophion  with  Eurynome,  the  wide 
Encroaching  Eve  perhaps,  had  first  the  rule 
Of  high  Olympus,  thence  by  Saturn  driven 
And  Ops,  ere  yet  Dictaean  Jove  was  born. 

Meanwhile  in  Paradise  the  hellish  pair 
Too  soon  arriv'd,  Sin  there  in  pbw'r  before, 
Once  actual,  now  in  body,  and  to  dwell 
Habitual  habitant ;  behind  her  Death 
Close  following  pace  for  pace,  not  mounted  yet 
On  his  pale  horse  :  to  whom  Sin  thus  began  : 

Second  of  Satan  sprung,  all  conqu'ring  Death, 
What  think'st  thou  of  our  empire  now,  tho'  earn'd 
With  travel  difficult,  no1  tetter  far 
Than  still  at  hell's  dark  threshold  to  have  sat  watch, 
Unnam'd,  undreaded,  and  thyself  half  starv'd  ? 

Whom  thus  the  sin-born  monster  answer'd  soon : 
To  me,  who  with  eternal  famine  pine, 
Alike  is  hell,  or  Paradise,  or  heav'n, 
There  best,  where  most  with  ravin  I  may  meet ; 
Which  here,  though  plenteous,  all  too  little  seems 
To  stuff  this  maw,  this  vast  unhide-bound  corps. 

To  whom  th'  incestuous  mother  thus  reply'd  : 
Thou  therefore  on  these  herbs,  and  fruits,  and  flow'rs 
Feed  first,  on  each  beast  next,  and  fish,  and  fowl, 


HOOK  X.J  PARADISE  LOST.  2 

No  homely  moisels;  and  whatever  thing 

The  scythe  of  Time  mows  down,  devour  unspai  'd. 

Till  I  in  man  residing  through  the  race, 

His  thoughts,  his  looks,  words,  actions  all  infect, 

And  season  him  thy  last  and  sweetest  prey. 

This  said,  they  both  betook  them  several  ways, 
Both  to  destroy  or  unimmortal  make 
All  kinds,  and  for  destruction  to  mature 
Sooner  or  later ;  which  th'  Almighty  seeing, 
From  his  transcendent  seat,  the  Saints  among, 
To  those  bright  orders  utter'd  thus  his  voice  : 

See  with  what  heat  these  dogs  of  hell  advance 
To  waste  and  havoc  yonder  world,  which  I 
So  fair  and  good  created,  and  had  still 
Kept  in  that  state,  had  not  the  folly  of  man 
Let  in  these  wasteful  furies,  who  impute 
Folly  to  me,  so  doth  the  prince  of  hell 
And  his  adherents,  that  with  so  much  ease 
I  suffer  them  to  enter  and  possess 
A  place  so  heav'nly,  and  conniving  seem 
To  gratify  my  scornful  enemies, 
That  laugh,  as  if  transported  with  some  fit 
Of  passion,  I  to  them  had  quitted  all, 
At  random  yielded  up  to  their  misrule  ; 
And  know  not  that  I  call'd  and  drew  them  thither 
My  hell  hounds,  to  lick  up  the  draff  and  filth 
Which  man's  polluting  sin  with  taint  hath  shed 
On  what  was  pure,  till  cratnrh'd  and  gorg'd  nigh 
With  suck'd  and  glutted  offal,  at  one  sling 
Of  thy  victorious  arm,  well-pleasing  Son, 
Both  Sin  and  Death,  and  yawning  grave  at  last 
Through  Chaos  hurl'd  obstruct  the  mouth  of  helJ 
For  ever,  and  seal  up  his  ravenous  jaws. 
Then  heav'n  and  earth  renew'd  shall  be  made  pure 
To  sanctity  that  shall  receive  no  stain  ; 
Till  then  the  curse  pronounc'd  on  both  precedes. 

He  ended,  and  the  heav'nly  audience  loud 
Sung  hallelujah,  as  the  sound  of  seas, 
Through  multitude  that  sung  :  Just  are  thy  ways, 


2G4  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  X 

Righteous  are  thy  decrees  on  all  thy  works ; 

Who  can  extenuate  thee  ?  next  to  the  Son, 

Destin:d  restorer  of  mankind,  by  whom 

New  Heav'n  and  Earth  shall  to  ages  rise, 

Or  down  from  heav'n  descend.  Such  was  their  song 

While  the  Creator  calling  forth  by  name 

His  mighty  angels  gave  them  several  charge, 

As  sorted  best  with  present  things.    The  sun 

Had  first  his  precept  so  to  move,  so  shine, 

As  might  effect  the  earth  with  cold  and  heat 

Scarce  tolerable,  and  from  the  north  to  call 

Decrepit  winter,  from  the  south  to  bring 

Solstitial  summer's  heat.     To  the  blanc  moon 

Her  office  they  prescrib'd,  to  th'  other  five 

Their  planetary  motions  and  aspects, 

In  sextile,  square,  and  trine,  and  opposite 

Of  noxious  efficacy,  and  when  to  join 

In  synod  unbenign ;  and  taught  the  fix'd 

Their  influence  malignant  when  to  shower, 

Which  of  them  rising  with  the  sun,  or  falling, 

Should  prove  tempestuous  ;  to  the  winds  they  sot 

Their  corners,  when  with  bluster  to  confound 

Sea,  air,  and  shore,  the  thunder  when  to  roU 

With  terror  through  the  dark  aereal  hall. 

Some  say  he  bid  his  angels  turn  askance 

The  poles  of  earth  twice  ten  degrees  and  more 

From  the  sun's  axle  ;  they  with  labour  push'd 

Oblique  the  centric  globe  :  some  say  the  sun 

Was  bid  turn  reins  from  th'  equinoctial  road 

Like  distant  breadth  to  Taurus  with  the  seven 

Atlantic  Sisters,  and  the  Spartan  Twins 

Up  to  the  Tropic  Crab ;  thence  down  amain 

By  Leo  and  the  Virgin  and  the  Scales, 

As  deep  as  Capricorn,  to  bring  in  change 

Of  seasons  to  each  clime ;  else  had  the  spring 

Perpetual  smil'd  on  earth  with  verdant  flowers, 

Equal  in  days  and  nights,  except  to  those 

Beyond  the  polar  circles  ;  to  them  day 

Had  unbenighted  shone,  while  the  low  sun 


BOOK  X.J  PAKAU1SE  LOST.  '266 

To  recompense  his  distance,  in  their  sight 

Had  rounded  still  the  horizon,  and  not  known 

Or  east  or  west,  which  had  forbid  the  snow 

From  cold  Estotiland,  arid  south  as  far 

Beneath  Magellan.     At  that  tasted  fruit 

The  sun  as  from  Thyestean  banquet,  turn'd 

His  course  intended ;  else  how  had  the  world 

Inhabited  though  sinless,  more  than  now, 

Avoided  pinching  cold  and  scorching  heat  ? 

These  changes  in  the  heav'ns,  though  slow,  produc'd 

Like  change  on  sea  and  land,  sideral  blast, 

Vapour,  and  mist,  and  exhalation  hot, 

Corrupt  and  pestilent :  now  from  the  north 

Of  Norumbega,  and  the  Samoed  shore, 

Bursting  their  brazen  dungeon,  arnrd  with  ice 

And  snow  and  hail  and  stormy  gust  and  flaw, 

Boreas  and  Caecias  and  Argestes  loud 

And  Thrascias  rend  the  woods  and  seas  upturn  ; 

With  adverse  blast  upturns  them  from  the  south 

Notus  and  Afer  black  with  thund'rous  clouds 

Fro.n  Serraliona  ;  thwart  of  these  as  fierce 

Forth  rush  the  levant  and  the  ponent  winds 

Eurus  and  Zephyr  with  their  lateral  noise, 

Sirocco  and  Libbecchio.     Thus  began 

Outrage  from  lifeless  things  ;  but  Discord  first 

Daughter  of  Sin,  among  th'  irrational, 

Death  introduc'd  through  fierce  antipathy  : 

Beast  now  with  beast  'gan  war,  and  fowl  with  fowl, 

And  fish  with  fish  :  to  graze  the  herb  all  leaving, 

Devour'd  each  other;  nor  stood  much  in  awe 

Of  man,  but  fled  him,  or  with  count'nance  grim 

Glar'd  on  him  passing.     These  were  from  vvithout 

The  growing  miseries,  which  Adam  saw 

Already  in  part,  though  hid  in  gloomiest  shade, 

To  sorrow  abandon'd,  but  worse  felt  within, 

And  in  a  troubled  sea  of  passion  tost, 

Thus  to  disburden  sought  with  sad  complaint : 

O  miserable  of  happy  !  is  this  the  end 
Of  this  new  glorious  world,  and  me  so  late 
23 


2C6  FAKADISJE  LOST.  jt'lWK   X. 

The  glory  of  that  glory,  who  now  become 

Accurs'd  of  blessed,  hide  me  from  the  face 

Of  God,  whom  to  behold  was  then  my  height 

Of  happiness !  yet  well,  if  here  would  end 

The  misery  :  I  deserv'd  it,  and  would  bear 

My  own  deservings  ;  but  this  will  not  serve 

AH  that  I  eat  or  drink,  or  shall  beget, 

Is  propagated  curse.     0  voice  once  heard 

Delightfully,  Increase  and  multiply, 

Now  death  to  hear  !  for  what  can  I  increase 

Or  multiply,  but  curses  on  my  head  ? 

Who  of  all  ages  to  succeed,  but  feeling 

The  evil  on  him  brought  by  me  will  curse 

My  head  ?  Ill  fare  our  ancestor  impure, 

For  this  we  may  thank  Adam ;  but  his  thanks 

Shall  be  the  execration ;  so  besides 

Mine  own  that  bide  upon  me,  all  from  me 

Shall  with  a  fierce  reflux  on  me  redound, 

On  me  as  on  their  natural  centre  light 

Heavy,  though  in  their  place.     0  fleeting  joys 

Of  Paradise,  dear  bought  with  lasting  woes  ! 

Did  I  request  thee  Maker,  from  my  clay 

To  mould  me  man,  did  I  solicit  thee 

From  darkness  to  promote  me,  or  here  place 

In  this  delicious  garden  ?  as  my  will 

Concurr'd  not  to  my  being,  it  were  but  right 

And  equal  to  reduce  me  to  my  dust, 

Desirous  to  resign  and  render  back 

All  I  receiv'd  unable  to  perform 

Thy  terms  too  hard,  by  which  I  was  to  hold 

The  good  I  sought  not.     To  the  loss  of  that, 

Sufficient  penalty,  why  hast  thou  added 

The  sense  of  endless  woes  ?  inexplicable 

Thy  justice  seems ;  yet  to  say  truth,  too  late 

I  thus  contest;  then  should  have  been  refus'd 

Those  terms  whatever,  when  they  were  propos'd 

Thou  didst  accept  them  :  wilt  thou  enjoy  the  good, 

Then  cavil  the  conditions  ?  and  though  God 

Marie  thee  without  thv  leave,  what  if  thy  son 


BOOK  X.J  PARADISE  LOST.  267 

Prove  disobedient,  and  reprov'd,  retort, 

Wherefore  didst  thou  beget  me  ?  I  sought  it  not : 

Wouldst  thou  admit  for  his  contempt  of  thee 

That  proud  excuse  ?  yet  him  not  thy  election, 

But  natural  necessity  begot. 

God  made  thee  of  choice  his  own,  and  of  his  own 

To  serve  him ;  thy  reward  was  of  his  grace, 

Thy  punishment  then  justly  is  at  his  will. 

Be  it  so,  for  I  submit ;  his.  doom  is  fair, 

That  dust  I  am,  and  shall  to  dust  return. 

O  welcome  hour  whenever  !  why  delays 

His  hand  to  execute  what  his  decree 

Fix'd  on  this  day"?  why  do  I  overlive, 

Why  am  I  mock'd  with  death,  and  lengthen'd  out 

To  deathless  pain  ?  how  gladly  would  I  meet 

Mortality  my  sentence,  and  be  earth 

Insensible,  how  glad  would  lay  me  down 

As  in  my  mother's  lap  ?  there  I  should  rest 

And  sleep  secure ;  his  dreadful  voice  no  more 

Would  thunder  in  my  ears,  no  fear  of  worse 

To  me  and  to  my  offspring  would  torment  me 

With  cruel  expectation.     Yet  one  doubt, 

Pursues  me  still,  lest  all  I  cannot  die, 

Lest  that  pure  breath  of  life,  the  spirit  of  man 

Which  God  inspir'd,  cannot  together  perish 

With  this  corporeal  clod ;  then  in  the  grave, 

Or  in  some  other  dismal  place,  who  knows 

But  shall  I  die  a  living  death  ;  O  thought 

Horrid,  if  true  !  yet  why  ?  It  was  but  breath 

Of  life  that  sinn'd  ;  what  dies  but  what  had  life 

And  sin  ?  the  body  properly  hath  neither. 

All  of  me  then  shall  die  :  let  this  appease 

The  doubt,  since  human  reach  no  further  knows. 

For  though  the  Lord  of  all  be  infinite, 

Is  his  wrath  also  ?  be  it,  man  is  not  so, 

But  mortal  doom'd.     How  can  he  exercise 

Wrath  without  end  on  man,  whom  death  must  end  J 

Can  he  make  deathless. death?  that  were  to  make 

Strange  contradiction,  which  to  God  himself 


268  FARAD. SE  LOST.  [BOOK  X. 

Impossible  is  held,  as  argument 

Of  weakness,  not  of  pow'r.     Will  he  draw  out, 

For  anger's  sake,  finite  to  infinite 

In  punish'd  man,  to  satisfy  his  rigour 

Satisfy'd  never  ?  that  were  to  extend 

His  sentence  beyond  dust  and  nature's  law, 

By  which  all  causes  else  according  still 

To  the  reception  of  their  matter  act, 

Not  to  the  extent  of  their  own  sphere.     But  503' 

That  death  be  not  one  stroke,  as  I  suppos'd, 

Bereaving  sense,  but  endless  misery 

From  this  day  onward,  which  I  feel  begun 

Both  in  me,  and  without  me,  and  so  last 

To  perpetuity ;  ay  me,  that  fear 

Comes  thund'ring  back  with  dreadful  revolution 

On  my  defenceless  head  :  both  death  and  I 

Am  found  eternal,  and  incorporate  both, 

Nor  I  on  my  part  single,  in  me  all 

Posterity  stands  curs'd  :  fair  patrimony 

That  I  must  leave  ye,  sons ;  O  were  I  able 

To  waste  it  all  myself,  and  leave  ye  none  ! 

So  disinherited  how  would  ye  bless 

Me  now  your  curse  !  Ah,  why  should  all  mankind 

For  one  man's  fault  thus  guiltless  be  condemn'd, 

If  guiltless  ?  But  from  me  what  can  proceed, 

But  all  corrupt,  both  mind  and  will  deprav'd, 

Not  to  do  only,  but  to  will  the  same 

With  me  ?  how  can  they  then  acquitted  stand 

in  sight  of  God  ?  Him  after  all  disputes 

Forc'd  I  absolve :  all  my  evasions  vain, 

And  reasonings,  though  through  mazes,  lead  me  still 

But  to  my  own  conviction :  first  and  last 

On  me,  me  only,  as  the  source  and  spring 

Of  all  corruption,  all  the  blame  lights  due  ; 

So  might  the  wrath.     Fond  wish  !   couldst  thou  sup 

port 

That  burden  heavier  than  the  earth  to  bear 
Than  all  the  world  much  heavier,  though  divided 
With  that  bad  woman  ?    Thus  what  thou  desir'st 


BOOK  X.]  I'ARADISE  LOST.  269 

And  what  thou  fear'st  alike  destroys  all  hope 
Of  refuge,  and  concludes  thee  miserable 
Beyond  all  past  example  and  future, 
To  Satan  only  like  both  crime  and  doom. 

0  conscience,  into  what  abyss  of  fears 

And  horrors  hast  thou  driven  me ;  out  of  which 

1  find  no  way,  from  deep  to  deeper  plung'd ! 

Thus  Adam  to  himself  lamented  loud 
Through  the  still  night,  not  now,  as  ere  man  fell, 
Wholesome  and  cool,  and  mild,  but  with  black  air 
Accompanied,  with  damps  and  dreadful  gloom, 
Which  to  iiis  evil  conscience  represented 
All  things  with  double  terror :  on  the  ground 
Outstretch'd  he  lay,  on  the  cold  ground,  and  oft 
Curs'd  his  creation,  death  as  oft  accus'd 
Of  tardy  execution,  since  denouncld 
The  day  of  his  offence.     Why  comes  not  death. 
Said  he,  with  one  thrice  acceptable  stroke 
To  end  me  ?  shall  truth  fail  to  keep  her  word, 
Justice  divine  not  hasten  to  be  just? 
But  death  comes  not  at  call,  justice  divine 
Mends  not  her  slowest  pace  for  pray'rs  or  cries. 
O  woods,  0  fountains,  hillocks,  dales  and  bov/crs. 
With  other  echo  late  I  taught  your  shades 
To  answer,  and  resound  far  other  song. 

Whom  thus  afflicted  when  sad  Eve  beheld, 
Desolate  where  she  sat,  approaching  nigh, 
Soft  words  to  his  fierce  passion  she  assay'd : 
But  her  with  stern  regard  he  thus  repell'd  : 

Out  of  my  sight,  thou  serpent ;  that  name  best 
Befits  thee  with  him  leagu'd,  thyself  as  false 
And  hateful ;  nothing  wants,  but  that  thy  shape, 
Like  his,  and  colour  serpentine  may  show 
Thy  inward  fraud,  to  warn  all  creatures  from  then 
Henceforth  ;  lest  that  too  heav'nly  form,  pretended 
To  hellish  falsehood,*  snare  them.     But  for  thee 

*  "  Pretended  to  hellish  falsehood;"  pretended  is  us-ed  in  the 
Latin  sense  of  held  before. 

23* 


270  PARADISE  LOST.  FBOOK  I. 

I  had  persisted  liappy,  had  not  thy  pride 
And  wand'ring  vanity,  when  least  was  safe, 
Rejected  my  forewarning,  and  disdain'd 
Not  to  be  trusted,  longing  to  be  seen 
Though  by  the  devil  himself,  him  overweening 
To  over-reach,  but  with  the  serpent  meeting, 
Fool'd  and  beguil'd,  by  him  thou,  I  by  thee, 
To  trust  thee  from  my  side,  imagin'd  wise, 
Constant,  mature,  proof  against  all  assaults. 
And  understood  not  all  was  but  a  show, 
Rather  than  solid  virtue,  all  but  a  rib 
Crooked  by  nature,  bent,  as  now  appears, 
More  to  the  part  sinister,  from  me  drawn, 
Well  if  thrown  out,  as  supernumerary 
To  my  just  number  found.     0  why  did  God, 
Creator  wise,  that  peopled  highest  heav'n 
With  spirits  masculine,  create  at  last 
This  novelty  on  earth,  this  fair  defect 
Of  nature,  and  not  fill  the  world  at  once 
With  men  as  angels  without  feminine, 
Or  find  some  other  way  to  generate 
Mankind  ?  this  mischief  had  not  then  befalPn, 
And  more  than  shall  befal,  innumerable 
Disturbances  on  earth  through  female  snares, 
And  strait  conjunction  with  this  sex :  for  either 
He  never  shall  find  out  fit  mate,  but  such 
As  some  misfortune  brings  him.  or  mistake  ; 
Or  whom  he  wishes  most  shall  seldom  gain 
Through  her  perverseness,  but  shall  see  her  gain  d 
,By  a  far  worse,  or  if  she  love,  withheld 
By  parents  :  or  his  happiest  choice  too  late 
Shall  meet,  already  link'd  and  wedlock-bound 
To  a  fell  adversary,  his  hate  or  shame : 
Which  infinite  calamity  shall  cause 
To  human  life,  and  household  peace  confound. 
He  added  not,  and  from  her  turn'd;  but  Eve 
Not  so  repuls'd,  with  tears  that  ceas'd  not  flowing, 
And  tresses  nil  disorder'd,  at  his  feet 


BOOK  X.]  PARADISE  LOST.  27] 

Fell  humble,  and  embracing  them,  besought 
His  peace,  and  thus  proceeded  in  her  plaint. 

Forsake  me  not  thus,  Adam,  witness  heav'n 
What  love  sincere,  and  reverence  in  my  heart 
I  bear  thee,  and  unweeting  have  offended, 
Unhappily  deceiv'd ;  thy  suppliant 
I  beg,  and  clasp  thy  knees ;  bereave  me  not, 
Whereon  I  live,  thy  gentle  looks,  thy  aid, 
Thy  counsel  in  this  uttermost  distress. 
My  only  strength  and  stay :  forlorn  of  thee. 
Whither  shall  I  betake  me,  where  subsist  ? 
While  yet  we  live,  scarce  orie  short  hour  perhaps, 
Between  us  two  let  there  be  peace,  both  joining, 
As  join'd  in  injuries,  one  enmity 
Against  a  foe  by  doom  express  assign'd  us, 
That  cruel  serpent :  on  me  exercise  not 
Thy  hatred  for  this  misery  befall'n, 
On  me  already  lost,  me  than  thyself 
More  miserable ;  both  have  sinn'd,  but  thou 
Against  God  only,  I  against  God  and  thee, 
And  to  the  place  of  judgment  will  return, 
There  with  my  cries  importune  heav'n,  that  all 
The  sentence  from  thy  head  remov'd  may  light 
On  me,  sole  cause  to  thee  of  all  this  wo, 
Me,  me  only,  just  object  of  his  ire. 

She  ended  weeping,  and  her  lowly  plight, 
Immoveable  till  peace  obtain'd  from  fault 
Acknowledg'd  and  deplor'd,  in  Adam  wrought 
Commiseration ;  soon  his  heart  relented 
Towards  her,  his  life  so  late  and  sole  delight, 
Now  at  his  feet  submissive  in  distress, 
Creatures  so  fair  his  reconcilement  seeking 
His  counsel,  whom  she  had  displeas'd,  his  aid  ; 
As  one  disarm 'd,  his  anger  all  he  lo?t, 
And  thus  with  peaceful  words  uprais'd  her  soon. 

Unwary,  and  too  desirous,  as  before, 
So  now  of  what  thou  know'st  not  who  desir'st 
The  punishment  all  on  thyself;  alas, 
Bear  thine  own  first,  ill  ible  to  sustain 


272  PAEADISE   LOST.  [KOOK    X. 

His  full  wrath,  whose  thou  feel'st  as  yet   enst  part, 

And  my  displeasure  bear'st  so  ill.     If  prayers 

Could  alter  high  decrees,  I  to  that  place 

Would  speed  before  thee,  and  be  louder  heard, 

That  on  my  head  all  might  be  visited, 

Thy  frailty  and  infirmer  sex  forgiven, 

To  me  committed  and  by  me  expos'd. 

But  rise,  let  us  no  more  contend,  nor  blame 

Each  other,  blam'd  enough  elsewhere,  but  strive 

In  offices  of  love,  how  we  may  lighten 

Each  other's  burden,  in  our  share  of  wo  ; 

Since  this  day's  death  denounc'd  if  ought  I  see, 

Will  prove  no  sudden,  but  a  slow-pac'd  evil, 

A  long  day's  dying  to  augment  our  pain, 

And  to  our  seed  (O  hapless  seed  !)  deriv'd. 

To  whom  thus  Eve,  recovering  heart,  reply'd : 
Adam,  by  sad  experiment  I  know 
How  little  weight  my  words  with  thee  can  find. 
Found  so  erroneous,  thence  by  just  event 
Found  so  unfortunate ;  nevertheless, 
Restor'd  by  thee,  vile  as  I  am,  to  place 
Of  new  acceptance,  hopeful  to  regain 
Thy  love,  the  sole  contentment  of  my  heart 
Living  or  dying,  from  thee  I  will  not  hide 
What  thoughts  in  my  unquiet  breast  are  risvn, 
Tending  to  some  relief  of  our  extremes. 
Or  end,  though  sharp  and  sad,  yet  tolerable, 
As  in  our  evils,  and  of  easier  choice. 
If  care  of  our  descent  perplex  us  most, 
Which  must  be  born  to  certain  wo,  devour'd 
By  death  at  last ;  and  miserable  it  is 
To  be  to  others  cause  of  misery, 
Our  own  begotten,  and  of  our  loins  to  bring 
Into  this  cursed  world  a  woful  race, 
That  after  wretched  life  must  be  at  last 
Food  for  so  foul  a  monster;  in  thy  power 
It  lies,  yet  ere  conception,  to  prevent 
The  race  unblest,  to  being  yet  unbegot. 
Childless  thou  art,  childless  remain  :  so  Death 


BOOK  X.}  PARADISE   LOST.  27'< 

Shall  be  deceiv'd  his  glut,  and  with  us  two 
Be  forc'd  to  satisfy  his  ravenous  maw. 
But  if  thou  judge  it  hard  and  difficult, 
Conversing,  looking,  loving,  to  abstain 
From  love's  due  rites,  nuptial  embraces  sweet, 
And  with  desire  to  languish  without  hope, 
Before  the  present  object  languishing 
With  like  desire,  which  would  be  misery 
And  torment  less  than  none  of  what  we  dread  : 
Then  both  ourselves  and  seed  at  once  to  free 
From  what  we  fear  for  both,  let  us  make  short, 
Let  us  seek  Death,  or  he  not  found,  supply 
With  our  own  hands  his  office  on  ourselves  ; 
Why  stand  we  longer  shivering  under  fears, 
That  show  no  end  but  death,  and  have  the  power, 
Of  many  ways  to  die,  the  shortest  choosing, 
Destruction  with  destruction  to  destroy  ? 

She  ended  here,  or  vehement  despair 
Broke  off  the  rest ;  so  much  of  death  her  thoughts 
Had  entertain'd,  as  dy'd  her  cheeks  with  pale. 
But  Adam  with  such  counsel  nothing  sway'd, 
To  better  hopes  his  more  attentive  mind 
Lab'ring  had  rais'd,  and  thus  to  Eve  reply'd. 

Eve,  thy  contempt  of  life  and  pleasure  seems 
To  argue  in  thee  something  more  sublime 
And  excellent  than  what  thy  mind  contemns ; 
But  self-destruction  therefore  sought,  refutes 
That  excellence  thought  in  theei  and  implies, 
Not  thy  contempt,  but  anguish  and  regret 
For  loss  of  life,  and  pleasure  overlov'd. 
Or  if  thou  covet  death,  as  utmost  end 
3f  misery,  so  thinking  to  evade 
The  penalty  pronounc'd  doubt  not  but  God 
Hath  wiselier  arm'd  his  vengeful  ire  than  so 
To  be  forestall'd ;  much  more  I  fear  lest  death 
So  snatch'd  will  not  exempt  us  from  the  pain 
We  are  by  doom  to  pay ;  rather  such  acts 
Of  contumacy  will  provoke  the  Highest 
To  make  death  in  us  live ;  then  let  us  s<?ek 


274  PARADISE  LOST.  [DOCK  X 

Some  safer  resolution,  which  methinks 
I  have  in  view,  calling  to  mind  with  heed 
Part  of  our  sentence,  That  thy  seed  shall  bruise 
The  serpent's  head  ;  piteous  amends,  unless 
He  meant,  whom  I  conjecture,  our  grand  foe 
Satan,  who  in  the  serpent  hath  contriv'd 
Against  us  this  deceit ;  to  crush  his  head 
Woul^  be  revenge  indeed  ;  which  will  be  lost 
By  death  brought  on  ourselves,  or  childless  days 
Resolv'd  as  thou  proposest :  so  our  foe 
Shall  'scape  his  punishment  ordain'd,  and  we 
Instead  shall  double  ours  upon  our  heads. 
No  more  be  mention'd  then  of  violence 
Against  ourselves,  and  wilful  barrenness, 
That  cuts  us  off  from  hope,  and  savours  only 
Rancour  and  pride,  impatience  and  despite, 
Reluctance  against  God  and  his  ju&t  yoke 
Laid  on  our  necks.     Remember  with  what  miW 
And  gracious  temper  he  both  heard  and  judg'd. 
Without  wrath  or  reviling  ;  we  expected 
,mmediate  dissolution,  which  we  thought 
Was  meant  by  death  that  day,  when  lo,  to  thee 
Pains  only  in  child-bearing  were  foretold, 
And  bringing  forth,  soon  recompens'd  with  joy, 
Fruit  of  thy  womb.     On  me  the  curse  aslope 
Glanc'd  on  the  ground ;  with  labour  I  must  earn 
My  bread  ;  what  harm  I  Idleness  had  been  worse  : 
My  labour  will  sustain  me ;  and  lest  cold 
Or  heat  should  injure  us.  his  timely  care 
Hath  unbesought  provided,  and  his  hands 
Cloth'd  us  unworthy,  pitying  while  he  judg'd  ; 
How  much  more,  if  we  pray  him,  will  his  ear 
Be  open,  and  his  heart  to  pity  incline, 
And  teach  us  further  by  what  means  to  shun 
Th'  inclement  seasons,  rain,  ice,  hail,  and  snow 
Which  now  the  sky  with  various  face  begins 
To  show  us  in  this  mountain,  while  the  winds 
Blow  moist  and  keen,  shattering  the  graceful  looks 
Of  these  far  spreading  trees  ;  whieh  bids  us  seo k 


BOOK  X.]  PARADISE  LOST.  275 

Some  better  shroud,  some  better  warmth  to  cherish 
Our  limbs  benumb'd,  ere  this  diurnal  star 
Leave  cold  the  night,  how  we  his  gather 'd  beams 
Reflected,  may  with  matter  sere  foment, 
Or  by  collision  of  two  bodies  grind 
The  air  attrite  to  fire,  as  late  the  clouds 
Justling  or  push'd  with  winds  rude  in  their  shock 
Tine  the  slant  lightning,*  whose  thwart  flame  driv'n 

down 

Kindles  the  gummy  bark  of  fir  or  pine, 
And  sends  a  comfortable  heat  from  far, 
Which  might  supply  the  sun  :  such  fire  to  use, 
And  what  may  else  be  remedy  or  cure 
To  evils  which  our  own  misdeeds  have  wrought, 
He  will  instruct  us  praying,  and  of  grace 
Beseeching  him,  so  as  we  need  not  fear 
To  pass  commodiously  this  life,  sustain'd 
By  him  with  many  comforts,  till  we  end 
In  dust,  our  final  rest  and  native  home. 
What  better  can  we  do,  than  to  the  place 
Repairing  where  he  jusr'd  us,  prostrate  fall 
Before  him  reverent,  and  there  confess 
Humbly  our  faults,  and  pardon  beg,  with  tears 
Watering  the  ground,  and  with  our  sighs  the  air 
Frequenting,  sent  from  hearts  contrite,  in  sign 
Of  sorrow  unfeign'd,  and  humiliation  meek  ? 
Undoubtedly  he  will  relent  and  turn 
From  his  displeasure ;  in  whose  look  serene, 
When  angry  most  he  seem'd,  and  most  severe, 
What  else  but  favour,  grace,  and  mercy  shone  ? 

So  spake  our  father  penitent,  nor  Eve 
Felt  less  remorse  ;  they  forthwith  to  the  place 
Repairing  where  he  judg'd  them,  prostrate  fell 
Befoie  him  reverent,  and  both  confess'd 
Humbly  their  faults,  and  pardon  begg'd  with  tears 

*  Tine  the  slant  liehtnin? :''  an  old  wor  1  for  kindle. 


276  PARADTSE  LOST.  [BOOK  X. 

Watering  the  ground,  and  with  their  sighs  the  air 
Frequenting,  sent  from  hearts  contiite,  in  sign 
Of  sorrow  unfeign'd,  and  humiliation  meek. 


KKD  OF  T11E  TENTH 


IfU 

ELEVENTH  BOOK 

or 
PARADISE  LOST. 


THE   ARGUMENT. 


THE  Son  of  God  presents  to  hie  Father  the  prayers  of  our  first  pa- 
rents now  repenting,  and  intercedes  for  them :  God  accepts  them  : 
but  declares  that  they  must  110  longer  abide  in  Paradise  ;  sends 
Michael  with  a  band  of  cherubim  to  dispossess  them ;  but  first 
to  reveal  to  Adam  future  thinjj;  Miaiiael's  coming  down. — 
Adam  shows  to  Eve  certain  ominous  signs:  he  discerns  Mi- 
chael's approach,  goes  out  to  meet  him  :  the  angel  denounces 
their  departure.  Eve's  lamentation.  Adam  pleads,  but  submits  : 
the  angel  leads  him  up  to  a  high  hill,  sets  before  him  in  vision 
what  shall  happen  till  the  flood. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK   XL 

THUS  they  in  lowliest  plight  repentant  stood 

Praying,  for  from  the  mercy-seat  above, 

Prevenient  grace  descending  had  remov'd 

The  stony  from  their  hearts,  and  made  new  flesh 

Regenerate  grow  instead,  that  sighs  now  breath 'd 

Unutterable,  which  the  spirit  of  pray'r 

Inspir'd,  and  wing'd  for  heav'n  with  speedier  flight 

Than  loudest  oratory :  yet  their  port 

Not  of  mean  suitors,  nor  important  less 

Seem'd  their  petition,  than  when  the  ancient  pair 

In  fables  old,  less  ancient  yet  than  these, 

Deucalion  and  chaste  Pyrrha,  to  restore 

The  race  of  mankind  drown'd,  before  the  shrine 

Of  Themis  stood  devout.     To  heav'n  their  prayers 

Flew  up,  nor  miss'd  the  way,  by  envious  winds 

Blown  vagabond  or  frustrate  :  in  they  pass'd 

Dimensionless  through  heav'nly  doors  ;  then  clad 

With  incense,  where  the  golden  altar  fum'd, 

By  their  great  intercessor,  came  in  sight 

Before  the  Father's  throne  :  them  the  glad  Son 

Presenting,  thus  to  intercede  began : 

See,  Father,  what  first  fruits  on  earth  are  sprung 
From  thy  implanted  grace  in  man,  these  sighs 
And  pray'rs,  which  in  this  golden  censer,  mix'd 
With  incense,  I  thy  priest  before  thee  bring, 


280  PARADISE    LOST.  [BOOK    Xi 

Fruits  of  more  pleasing  savour  from  thy  seed 

Sown  with  contrition  in  his  heart,  than  those 

Which  his  own  hand  manuring  ail  the  trees 

Of  Paradise  could  have  produc'd,  ere  fall'n 

From  innocence.     Now  therefore  bend  thine  ear     , 

To  supplication,  hear  his  sighs  though  mute ; 

Unskilful  with  what  words  to  pray,  let  me 

Interpret  for  him,  me  his  advocate 

And  propitiation  ;  all  his  works  on  me 

Good  or  not  good  ingraft,  my  merit  those 

Shall  perfect,  and  for  those  my  death  shall  pay, 

Accept  me,  and  in  me  from  these  receive 

The  smell  of  peace  toward  mankind ;  let  him  live 

Before  thee  reconcil'd,  at  least  his  days 

Number'd,  though  sad,  till  death,  his  doom  (which  ) 

To  mitigate  thus  plead,  not  to  reverse,) 

To  better  life  shall  yield  him  where  with  me 

All  my  redeem'd  may  dwell  in  joy  and  bliss, 

Made  one  with  me  as  I  with  thee  am  one. 

To  whom  the  Father,  without  cloud,  serene  : 
All  thy  request  for  man,  accepted  Son, 
Obtain  ;  all  thy  request  was  my  decree  : 
But  longer  in  that  Paradise  to  dwell, 
The  law  I  gave  to  nature  him  forbids : 
Those  pure  immortal  elements  that  know 
No  gross,  no  unharmonious  mixture  foul, 
Eject  him  tainted  now,  and  purge  him  oft' 
As  a  distemper,  gross  to  air  as  gross, 
And  mortal  food,  as  may  dispose  him  best 
For  dissolution  wrought  by  sin,  that  first 
Distemper'd  all  things,  and  of  incorrupt 
Corrupted.     I  at  first  with  two  fair  gifts 
Created  him,  endow'd  with  happiness 
And  immortality  :  that  fondly  lost, 
This  other  serv'd  but  to  eternize  wo  ; 
Till  I  provided  death  ;  so  death  becomes 
His  final  remedy,  and  after  life 
Try'd  in  sharp  tribulation,  and  refin'd 
By  faith  and  faithful  works,  to  second  life, 
Wak'd  in  the  renovation  of  the  iust, 


BOOK  XI.  j  PARADISE  LOST.  2S1 

Resigns  him  up  with  heav'n  and  earth  renew'd. 

But  let  us  call  to  synod  all  thte  blest 

Through  heav'n 's  wide  bounds ;  from  them  I  will  riot 

hide 

My  judgments,  how  with  mankind  I  proceed, 
As  how  with  peccant  angels  late  they  saw, 
And  in  their  state,  though  firm,  stood  more  confirm'd. 

He  ended,  and  the  Son  gave  signal  high 
To  the  bright  minister  that  watch'd ;  he  blew 
His  trumpet,  heard  in  Oreb  since,  perhaps 
When  God  descended,  and  perhaps  once  more 
To  sound  at  general  doom.     Th'  angelic  blast 
Fill'd  all  the  regions  :  from  their  blissful  bowers 
Of  amaranthine  shade,  fountain  or  spring, 
By  the  waters  of  life,  where'er  they  sat 
In  fellowships  of  joy,  the  sons  of  light 
Hasted,  resorting  to  the  summons  high, 
And  took  their  seats  ;  till  from  his  throne  supreme 
Th'  Almighty  thus  pronounc'd  his  sov'reign  will : 

O  sons,  like  one  of  us  man  is  become 
To  know  both  good  and  evil,  since  his  taste 
Of  that  defended  fruit ;  but  let  him  boast 
His  knowledge  of  good  lost,  and  evil  got, 
Happier,  had  it  suffic'd  him  to  have  known 
Good  by  itself,  and  evil  not  at  all. 
He  sorrows  now,  repents,  and  prays  contrite, 
My  motions  in  him ;  longer  than  they  move, 
His  heart  I  know,  how  variable  and  vain 
Self-left.     Lest  therefore  his  now  bolder  hand 
Reach  also  ot  the  tree  01  Hie,  ?»nd  eat, 
And  live  for  ever,  dream  at  least  to  live 
For  ever,  to  remove  him  J  decree, 
And  send  him  from  tlip  garden  forth  to  till 
The  ground  whence  hr  was  taken,  fitter  soil. 

Michael,  this  my  behest  have  thou  in  charge, 
Take  to  thee  from  among  the  cherubim 
Thy  choice  of  flaming  warriors,  lest  the  fiend, 
Or  in  behalf  of  man,  or  to  invade 
Vacant  possession,  some  new  trouble  raise  • 
24* 


2S2  PARADISIC   LOST.  [BOOK  XI 

Haste  thee,  and  from  the  Paradise  of  God 

Without  remorse  drive  out  the  sinful  pair 

From  hallow'd  ground  th'  unholy,  and  denounce 

To  them  and  to  their  progeny  from  thence 

Perpetual  banishment.     Yet  lest  they  faint 

At  the  sad  sentence  rigorously  urg'd, 

For  I  behold  them  soften'd,  and  with  tears 

Bewailing  their  excess,  all  terror  hide. 

If  patiently  thy  bidding  they  obey, 

Dismiss  them  not  disconsolate  ;  reveal 

To  Adam  what  shall  come  in  future  days, 

As  I  shall  thee  enlighten;  intermix 

My  covenant  in  the  woman's  seed  renew'd ; 

So  send  them  forth,  though  sorrowing,  yet  in  peace 

And  on  the  east  side  of  the  garden  place, 

Where  entrance  up  from  Eden  easiest  climbs. 

Cherubic  watch,  and  of  a  sword  the  flame 

Wide-waving,  all  approach  far  off  to  fright, 

And  guard  all  passage  to  the  tree  of  life  : 

Lest  Paradise  a  receptacle  prove 

To  spirits  foul,  and  all  my  trees  their  prey, 

With  whose  stol'n  fruit  man  once  more  to  delude 

He  ceas'd ;  and  th'  archangelic  pow'r  prepar'd 
For  swift  descent,  with  him  the  cohort  bright 
Of  watchful  cherubim  :  four  faces  each 
Had,  like  a  double  Janus,  all  their  shape 
Spangled  with  eyes,  more  numerous  than  those 
Of  Argus,  and  more  wakeful  than  to  drowse. 
Charm'd  with  Arcadian  pipe,  the  past'ral  reed 
Of  Hermes,  or  his  opiate  rod.     Meanwhile 
To  re-salute  the  world  with  sacred  light 
Leucothea  wak'd,  and  with  fresh  dews  embalm 'd 
The  earth,  when  Adam  and  first  matron  Eve 
Had  ended  now  their  orisons,  and  found 
Strength  added  from  above,  new  hope  to  spring 
Out  of  despair,  joy,  but  with  fear  yet  link'd ; 
Which  thus  to  Eve  his  welcome  words  renew'd  : 

Eve,  easily  may  faith  admit,  that  all 
The  good  which  we  enioy.  from  heav'n  descends  ; 


BOOK   XI.  |  PARADISE  LOST.  2S3 

But  that  from  us  aught  should  ascend  to  heav'n 
So  prevalent  as  to  concern  the  mind 
Of  God,  high-blest,  or  to  incline  his  will, 
Hard  to  belief  may  seem  ;  yet  this  will  prayer, 
Or  one  short  sigh  of  human  breath,  upborne 
Ev'n  to  the  seat  of  God.     For  since  I  sought 
By  pray'r  th'  offended  Deity,  t'  appease, 
Kneel'd  and  before  him  humbled  all  my  heart, 
Methought  I  saw  him  placable  and  mild, 
Bending  his  ear  ;  persuasion  in  me  grew 
That  I  was  heard  with  favour  ;  peace  return 'd 
Home  to  my  breast,  and  to  my  memory 
His  promise,  that  thy  seed  shall  bruise  our  foe  : 
Which  then  not  minded  in  dismay,  yet  now 
Assures  me  that  the  bitterness  of  death 
Is  past,  and  we  shall  live.     Whence  hail  to  thee, 
Eve  rightly  call'd  mother  of  all  mankind, 
Mother  of  all  things  living,  since  by  thee 
Man  is  to  live,  and  all  things  live  for  man. 

To  whom  thus  Eve  with  sad  demeanour  meek  : 
111  worthy  I  such  title  should  belong 
To  me  transgressor,  who  for  thee  ordain 'd 
A  help,  became  thy  snare ;  to  me  reproach 
Rather  belongs,  distrust  and  all  dispraise : 
But  infinite  in  pardon  was  my  Judge, 
That  I  who  first  brought  death  on  all,  am  grac'a 
The  source  of  life ;  next  favourable  thou, 
Who  highly  thus  to  entitle  rne  vouchsaf'st, 
Far  other  name  deserving.     But  the  field 
To  labour  calls  us  now  with  sweat  impos'd, 
Though  after  sleepless  night ;  for  see  the  morn, 
All  unconcerned  with  our  unrest,  begins 
Her  rosy  progress  smiling ;  let  us  forth* 
I  never  from  thy  side  henceforth  to  stray, 
Where'er  our  day's  work  lies,  though  now  enjoin'd 
Laborious,  till  day  droop ;  while  here  we  dwell, 
What  can  be  toilsome  in  these  pleasant  walks  ? 
Here  let  us  live  though  in  fall'n  state,  content. 


284  PARADISE   LOST  [BOOK   H! 

So  spake,  so  wish'd  much  humbled  Eve,  but  fate 
Subscrib'd  not;  Nature  first  gave  signs,  impress'd 
On  bird,  beast,  air,  air  suddenly  eclips'd 
After  short  blush  of  morn  ;  nigh  in  her  sight 
The  bird  of  Jove,  stoop'd  from  his  airy  tour, 
Two  birds  of  gayest  plume  before  him  drove  : 
Down  from  a  hill  the  beast  that  reigns  in  woods, 
First  hunter  then,  pursu'd  a  gentle  brace, 
Goodliest  of  all  the  forest,  hart  and  hind  ; 
Direct  to  th'  eastern  gate  was  bent  their  flight. 
Adam  observ'd,  and  with  his  eye  the  chace 
Pursuing,  not  unmov'd  to  Eve  thus  spake  : 

O  Eve,  some  further  change  awaits  us  nigh. 
Which  heav'n  by  these  mute  signs  in  nature  shows. 
Forerunners  of  his  purpose,  or  to  warn 
Us  haply  too  secure  of  our  discharge 
From  penalty,  because  from  death  releas'd 
Some  days;  how  long,  and  what  till  then  our  lifc. 
Who  knows,  or  more  than  this,  that  we  are  dust, 
And  thither  must  return  and  be  no  more  ? 
Why  else  this  double  object  in  our  sight 
Of  flight  pursu'd  in  th'  air,  and  o'er  the  ground, 
One  way  the  self-same  hour  ?  why  in  the  en*i 
Darkness  ere  day's  mid  course,  and  morning  lip"ht 
More  orient  in  yon  western  cloud,  that  draws 
O'er  the  blue  firmament  a  radiant  white, 
And  slow  descends,  with  something  heav'nly  fraugL 

He  err'd  not,  for  by  this  the  heav'nly  bands 
Down  from  a  sky  of  jasper  lighted  now 
In  Paradise,  and  on  a  hill  made  halt, 
A  glorious  apparition,  had  not  doubt 
And  carnal  fear  that  day  dimm'd  Adam's  eye. 
Not  that  more  glorious,  when  the  angels  met 
Jacob  in  Mahanaim,  where  he  saw 
The  field  pavilion'd  with  his  guardians  bright 
Nor  that  which  on  the  flaming  mount  appenr'd 
In  Dothan,  cover'd  with  a  camp  of  fire, 
Against  the  Syrian  king,  who  to  surprise 
One  man,  assassin  like,  had  levied  war, 


BOOK  X..J  PARADISE  LOST.  2S5 

War  unproclaim'd.     The  princely  hierach 

In  their  bright  stand  there  left  his  pow'rs  to  seize 

Possession  of  the  garden ;  he  alone, 

To  find  where  Adam  shelter'd  took  his  way» 

Not  unperceiv'd  of  Adam,  who  to  Eve, 

While  the  great  visitant  approach'd,  thus  spake : 

Eve,  now  expect  great  tidings,  which  perhaps 
Of  us  will  soon  determine,  or  impose 
New  laws  to  be  observ'd ;  for  I  descry 
From  yonder  blazing  cloud  that  veils  the  hills, 
One  of  the  heav'nly  host,  and  by  his  gait 
None  of  the  meanest,  some  great  potentate, 
Or  of  the  thrones  above,  such  majesty 
Invests  him  coming;  yet  not  terrible, 
That  I  should  fear,  nor  sociably  mild, 
As  Raphael,  that  I  should  much  confide, 
But  solemn  and  sublime,  whom  not  t'  offend, 
With  reverence  I  must  meet,  and  thou  retire. 

He  ended ;  and  th'  archangel  soon  drew  nigh, 
Not  in  his  shape  celestial,  but  as  man 
Clad  to  meet  man  ;  over  his  lucid  arms 
A  military  vest  of  purple  flow'd, 
Livelier  than  Meliboean,  or  the  grain 
Of  Sarra,  worn  by  kings  and  heroes  old, 
In  time  of  truce ;  Iris  had  dipt  the  woof; 
His  starry  helm  unbuckled  show'd  him  prime 
In  manhood  where  youth  ended ;  by  his  side 
As  in  a  glist'ring  zodiac  hung  the  sword, 
Satan's  dire  dread,  and  in  his  hand  the  spear. 
Adam  bow'd  low ;  he  kingly  from  his  state 
Inclin'd  not,  but  his  coming  thus  declar'd  : 

Adam,  heav'n's  high  behest  no  preface  needs 
Sufficient  that  thy  pray'rs  are  heard,  and  Deair. 
Then  due  by  sentence  when  thou  didst  transgress. 
Defeated  of  his  seizure,  many  days 
Giv'n  thee  of  grace,  wherein  thou  miyst  repen;, 
And  one  bad  act,  with  many  deeds  well  done, 
Mayst  cover  :  well  may  then  thy  Lord  appeas'd. 
Redeem  thee  quite  from  Death's  rapacious  claim  ; 


PARADISE  LOST.  [  BOOS   X) 

But  longer  in  this  Paradise  to  dwell 
Permits  not ;  to  remove  thee  I  am  come, 
And  send  thee  from  the  garden  forth  to  till 
The  ground  whence  thou  wast  taken,  fitter  soil. 

He  added  not,  for  Adam  at  the  news 
Heart-struck  with  chilling  gripe  of  sorrow  stood, 
That  all  his  senses  bound;  Eve.  who  unseen 
Yet  all  had  heard,  with  audible  lament 
Discover'd  soon  the  place  of  her  retire. 

O  unexpected  stroke,  worse  than  of  Death  ! 
Must  I  thus  leave  thee,  Paradise  ?  thus  leave 
Thee,  native  soil,  these  happy  walks  and  shades. 
Fit  haunt  of  gods  ?  where  I  had  hope  to  spend, 
Quiet  though  sad,  the  respite  of  that  day 
That  must  be  mortal  to  us  both.     O  flowers, 
That  never  will  in  other  climate  grow, 
My  early  visitation,  and  my  last 
At  even,  which  I  bred  up  with  tender  hand 
From  the  first  opening  bud,  and  gave  ye  names , 
Who  now  shall  rear  ye  to  the  sun,  or  rank 
Your  tribes,  and  water  from  the  ambrosial  fount  ? 
Thee  lastly,  nuptial  bow'r,  by  me  adorn'd 
With  what  to  sight  or  smell  was  sweet,  from  thee 
How  shall  I  part,  and  whither  wander  down 
Into  a  lower  world,  to  this  obscure 
And  wild  ?  how  shall  we  breathe  in  other  air 
Less  pure,  accnstom'd  to  immortal  fruits  ? 

Whom  thus  the  angel  interrupted  mild  • 
Lament  not,  Eve,  but  patiently  resign 
What  justly  thou  hast  lost ;  nor  set  thy  heart, 
Thus  over  fond,  on  that  which  is  not  thine ; 
Thy  going  is  not  lonely  ;  with  thee  goes 
Thy  husband  ;  him  to  follow  thou  art  bound  ; 
Where  he  abides,  think  there  thy  native  soil. 

Adam  by  this,  from  the  cold  sudden  damp 
Recovering,  and  his  scatter'd  spirits  return'd, 
To  Michael  thus  his  humble  words  address'd  : 
Celestial,  whether  among  the  thrones,  or  narn'd 
Of  thrni  the  highest,  for  such  of  shape  may  serin 


BOOK  XI.  j  I'AK  UHSE  LOST.  t# 

Prince  above  princes,  gently  hast  thoii  told 

Thy  message,  which  might  else  in  telling  wound, 

And  in  performing  end  us ;  what  besides 

Of  sorrow  and  dejection,  and  despair 

Our  frailty  can  sustain,  thy  tidings  bring, 

Departure  from  this  happy  place  our  sweet 

Recess,  and  only  consolation  left 

Familiar  to  our  eyes,  all  places  else 

Inhospitable  appear,  and  desolate, 

For  knowing  us  nor  known  :  and  if  by  prayer 

Incessant  I  could  hope  to  change  the  will 

Of  him  who  all  things  can,  I  would  not  cease 

To  weary  him  with  my  assiduous  cries  : 

But  pray'r  against  his  absolute  decree, 

No  more  avails  than  breath  against  the  wind. 

Blown  stifling  back  on  him  that  breathes  il  forth 

Therefore  to  his  groat  bidding  I  submit. 

This  most  afflicts  me,  that  departing  hence, 

As  from  his  face  I  shall  be  hid,  depriv'd 

His  blessed  count'nance ;  here  I  could  frequent. 

With  worship  place  by  place  where  he  vouchsaf  'o 

Presence  divine,  and  to  my  sons  relate, 

On  this  mount  he  appear'd,  under  this  tree 

Stood  visible,  among  these  pines  his  voice 

I  heard,  here  with  him  at  this  fountain  talk'd ; 

So  many  grateful  altars  I  would  rear 

Of  grassy  turf,  and  pile  up  every  stone 

Of  lustre  from  the  brook,  in  memory, 

Or  monument  to  ages,  and  thereon 

Offer  sweet  smelling  gums  and  fruits  and  flower?  • 

In  yonder  nether  world  where  shall  I  seek 

His  bright  appearances,  or  foot-step  trace  ? 

For  though  I  fled  him  angry,  yet  recall'd 

To  life  prolong'd,  and  promis'd  race,  I  now 

Gladly  behold,  though  but  his  utmost  skirts 

Of  glory,  and  far  ofF  his  steps  adore. 

To  whom  thus  Michael  with  regard  benign : 
Adam,  thou  know'st  heav'n  his,  and  all  the  e-irih, 
Not  this  rock  only ;  his  omnipresence  fills 


2SS  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   XI. 

Land,  sea,  and  air,  and  every  kind  that  lives, 

Fomented  by  his  virtual  pow'r,  and  warm'd  : 

All  th'  earth  he  gave  thee  to  possess  and  rule, 

No  despicable  gift ;  surmise  not  then 

His  presence  to  these  narrow  bounds  confin'd, 

Of  Paradise  or  Eden ;  this  had  been 

Perhaps  thy  capital  seat,  from  whence  had  sprrad 

All  generations,  and  had  hither  come 

From  all  the  ends  of  th'  earth,  to  celebrate 

And  reverence  thee  their  great  progenitor. 

But  this  pre-eminence  thou  hast  lost,  brought  down 

To  dwell  on  even  ground  now  with  thy  sons : 

Yet  doubt  not  but  in  valley  and  in  plain 

God  is  as  here,  and  will  be  found  alike 

Present,  and  of  his  presence  many  a  sign 

Still  following  thee,  still  compassing  thee  round 

With  goodness  and  paternal  love,  his  face 

Express,  and  of  his  steps  the  track  divine. 

Which  that  thou  mayst  believe,  and  be  confirm 'd 

Yre  thou  from  hence  depart,  know  I  am  sent 

To  show  thee  what  shall  come  in  future  days 

To  thee  and  to  thy  offspring;  good  with  bad 

Expect  to  hear,  supernal  grace  contending 

With  sinfulness  of  men ;  thereby  to  learn 

True  patience,  and  to  temper  joy  with  fear 

And  pious  sorrow,  equally  inur'd 

By  moderation  either  state  to  bear, 

Prosperous  or  adverse  ;  so  shall  thou  lead 

Safest  thy  life,  and  best  prepar'd  endure 

TLy  mortal  passage  when  it  comes      Ascend 

This  hill ;  let  Eve  (for  I  have  drench 'd  her  eyes) 

Here  sleep  below,  while  thou  to  foresight  wak'st  ; 

As  once  thou  slept'st,  while  she  to  life  was  forin'd. 

To  whom  thus  Adam  gratefully  reply'd : 
Ascend,  I  follow  thee,  safe  guide,  the  path 
Thou  lead'st  me,  and  to  the  hand  of  heav'n  subnn 
However  chast'ning,  to  the  evil  turn 
My  obvious  breast,  arming  to  overcome 
By  suffering,  and  earn  rest  from  labour  \von. 


BOOK  X..J  PAKAD1SE  LOST.  2 

If  so  I  may  attain.      So  both  ascend 
In  tfte  visions  of  God :  it  was  a  hill 
Ot  Paradi&e  the  highest,  from  whose  top 
The  hemisphere  of  earth  in  cleaiest  ken 
Stretch'd  out  to  th'  amplest  reach  of  prospeoi  lay. 
Not  higher  that  hill  nor  wider  looking  round. 
Whereon  for  different  cause  the  tempter  set 
Our  second  Adam  in  the  wilderness, 
To  show  him  all  earth's  kingdoms  and  their  glory 
His  eye  might  there  command  wherever  stood 
City  of  old  or  modern  fame,  the  seat 
Of  mightiest  empire,  from  the  destin'd  walls 
Of  Cambalu,  seat  of  Cathaian  Can, 
And  Samarchand  by  Oxus,  Temir's  throne, 
To  Paquin  of  Sinaean  kings,  and  thence 
To  Agra  and  Lahor  of  great  Mogul 
Down  to  the  golden  Chersonese,  or  where 
The  Persian  in  Ecbatan  sat,  or  since 
In  Hispahan,  or  where  the  Russian  czar 
Tn  Moscow,  or  the  sultan  in  Bizance, 
Turchestan-born  ;  nor  could  his  eye  not  ken 
Ph'  empire  of  Negus  to  his  utmost  port 
Ercocco,  and  the  less  maratime  kings, 
Mombaza,  and  Quiloa,  and  Melind, 
A.nd  Sofala,  thought  Ophir,  to  the  realm 
Of  Congo,  and  Angola  farthest  south  ; 
Or  thence  from  Niger  flood  to  Atlas  mount, 
The  kingdoms  of  Almansor,  Fez  and  Sus, 
Morocco  and  Algiers,  and  Tremisen  ; 
On  Europe  thence,  and  where  Rome  was  to  sway 
The  world ;  in  spirit  perhaps  he  also  saw 
Rich  Mexico,  the  seat  of  Montezuma, 
And  Cusco  in  Peru,  the  richer  seat 
Of  Atabalipa,  and  yet  unspoil'd 
Guiana,  whose  great  city  Geryon's  sons 
Call  El  Dorado  :  but  to  nobler  sights 
Michael  from  Adam's  eyes  the  film  remov'd, 
Which  that  false  fruit,  that  promis'd  clearer  sight 
Had  bred ;  then  purg'd  with  euphrasy  and  rue 
25 


'J90  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOl     x.| 

The  visual  nerve,  for  he  had  much  to  see  ; 
And  from  the  well  of  life  three  drops  instill'd. 
So  deep  the  pow'r  of  these  ingredients  pierc'd, 
Ey'n  to  the  inmost  seat  of  mental  sight, 
That  Adam  now  enforc'd  to  close  his  eyes, 
Sunk  down,  and  all  his  spiiits  became  entranced  ; 
Uut  him  the  gentle  angel  by  the  hand 
Soon  rais'd,  and  his  attention  thus  recall'd : 

Adam,  now  ope  thine  eyes,  and  first  behold 
Th'  effects  which  thy  original  crime  hath  wrought 
In  some  to  spring  from  thee,  who  never  touch'd 
Th'  exeepted  tree,  nor  with  the  snake  conspir'd, 
Nor  sinn'd  thy  sin,  yet  from  that  sin  derivp. 
Corruption  to  bring  forth  more  violent  deeds. 

His  eyes  he  open'd,  and  beheld  a  field, 
Part  arable  and  tilth,  whereon  wore  sheaves 
New  reap'd,  the  other  part  sheep-walks  and  folds  . 
I'  th'  midst  an  altar  as  the  land-mark  stood, 
Rustic,  of  grassy  sord  ;  thither  anon 
A  sweaty  reaper  from  his  tillage  brought 
First  fruits,  the  green  ear,  and  the  yellow  sheaf 
Uncull'd  as  came  to  hand ;  a  shepherd  next 
More  meek  came  with  the  firstlings  of  his  flock 
Choicest  and  best  ;  then  sacrificing,  laid 
The  inwards  and  their  fat,  with  incense  strow'd, 
On  the  cleft  wood,  and  all  due  rites  perform'd. 
His  offering  soon  propitious  fire  from  heav'n 
Consum'd  with  nimble  glance,  and  grateful  stream  ; 
The  other's  not,  for  his  was  not  sincere  ; 
Whereat  he  inly  rag'd,  and  as  they  talk'd, 
Smote  him  into  the  midrift  with  a  stone 
That  beat  out  life  ;  he  fell,  and  deadly  pale 
Groan'd  out  his  soul  with  gushing  blood  effus'd. 
Much  at  that  sight  was  Adam  in  his  heart 
Dismay'd,  and  thus  in  haste  to  th'  angel  cry'd  -• 

0  teacher,  some  great  mischief  hath  befall'n 
To  that  meek  man,  who  well  had  sacrific'd  : 
Is  piety  thus  and  pure  devotion  paid .' 


BOOK   XI.]  PARADISE  LOST.  291 

T'  whom  Michael  thus,  he  also  mov'd  reply'd : 
These  two  are  brethren,  Adam,  and  to  come 
Out  of  thy  loins  ;  th'  unjust  the  just  hath  slain. 
For  envy  that  his  brother's  offering  found 
From  heav'n,  acceptance  ;  but  the  bloody  fact 
Will  be  aveng'd,  and  the  other's  faith  approv'd 
Lose  no  rewards;  though  here  thou  see  him  die, 
Rolling  in  dust  and  gore.     To  which  our  sire: 

Alas  !  both  for  the  deed,  and  for  the  cause  ! 
But  have  I  now  seen  Death?  Is  this  the  way 
I  must  return  to  native  dust  ?  O  sight 
Of  terror,  foul  and  ugly  to  behold, 
Horrid  to  think,  how  horrible  to  feel ! 

To  whom  thus  Michael :  Death  thou  hast  seen 
In  his  first  shape  on  man  ;  but  many  shapes 
Of  Death,  and  many  are  the  ways  that  lead 
To  his  grim  cave,  all  dismal ;  yet  to  sense 
More  terrible  at  th'  entrance  than  within. 
Some  as  thou  saw'st,  by  violent  stroke  shall  die, 
By  fire,  flood,  famine  ;  by  intemp'rance  more 
In  meats  and  drinks,  which  on  the  earth  shall  bring 
Diseases  dire,  of  which  a  monstrous  crew 
Before  thee  shall  appear  ;  that  thou  mayst  knov/ 
What  misery  th'  inabstinence  of  Eve 
Shall  bring  on  men.     Immediately  a  place 
Before  his  eyes  appear'd,  sad,  noisome,  dark, 
A  lazar-house  it  seem'd,  wherein  were  laid 
Numbers  of  all  diseas'd,  all  maladies, 
Of  ghastly  spasm,  or  racking  torture,  qualms, 
Of  heart-sick  agony,  all  feverous  kinds, 
Convulsions,  epilepsies,  fierce  catarrhs, 
Intestine  stone  and  ulcer,  colick-pangs, 
Demoniac  phrenzy,  moping  melancholy, 
And  moon-struck  madness,  pining  atrophy, 
Marasmus,  and  wide-wasting  pestilence, 
Dropsies,  and  asthmas,  and  joint-racking  rhuetn.*. 
Dire  was  the  tossing,  deep  the  groans;  Despair 
Tended  the  sick,  busiest  from  couch  to  couch : 
And  over  them  triumphant  Death  his  dart 


292  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK   Tl. 

Shook,  but  delay'd  to  strike,  though  oft  invok'd 
With  vows,  as  their  chief  good,  and  final  hope. 
Sight  so  deform  what  heart  of  rock  could  long 
Dry-ey'd  behold  ?    Adam  could  not,  but  wept, 
Though  not  of  woman  born  :  compassion  quell'd 
His  best  of  man,  and  gave  him  up  to  tears 
A  space,  till  firmer  thoughts  restrain'd  excess  ; 
And  scarce  recovering  words  his  plaint  renew'd  : 

0  miserable  mankind,  to  what  fall 
Degraded,  to  what  wretched  state  reserv'd? 
Better  end  here  unborn.     Why  is  life  given 
To  be  thus  wrested  from  us  ?  rather  why 
Obtruded  on  us  thus  ?  who  if  we  knew 
What  we  receive,  would  either  not  accept 
Life  offer'd,  or  soon  beg  to  lay  it  down, 
Glad  to  be  so  dismiss'd  in  peace.     Can  thus 
Th'  image  of  God  in  man  created  once 

So  goodly  and  erect,  though  faulty  since, 

To  such  unsightly  sufferings  ba  debas'd 

Under  inhuman  pains  ?  Why  should  not  man. 

Retaining  still  divine  similitude 

In  part,  from  such  deformities  be  free, 

And  for  his  Maker's  image  sake  exempt  ? 

Their  Maker's  image,  answer'd  Michael,  then 
Forsook  them,  when  themselves  they  vilify'd 
To  serve  ungovern'd  appetite,  and  took 
His  image  whom  they  serv'd,  a  brutish  vice, 
Inductive  mainly  to  the  sin  of  Eve. 
Therefore  so  abject  is  their  punishment, 
Disfiguring  not  God's  likeness,  but  their  own, 
Or  if  his  likeness,  by  themselves  defac'd, 
While  they  pervert  pure  nature's  healthful  rule  s 
To  lo_athsome  sickness,  worthily,  since  they 
God's  image  did  not  reverence  in  themselves. 

1  yield  it  just,  said  Adam,  and  submit. 
But  is  there  yet  no  other  way,  besides 
These  painful  passages  how  we  may  come 
To  death,  and  mix  with  our  connatural  dust  ? 


BOOK  Xll  PARADISE  LOST.  293 

There  is,  said  Michael,  if  thou  well  observe 
The  rule  of  not  too  much,  by  temp'rance  taught, 
In  what  thou  eat'st  and  drink'st,  seeking  from  thence 
Due  nourishment,  not  gluttonous  delight, 
Till  many  years  over  thy  head  return : 
So  may'st  thou  live,  till  like  ripe  fruit  thou  drop 
Into  thy  mother's  lap,  or  be  with  ease 
Gather'd,  not  harshly  pluck'd,  for  death  mature  : 
This  is  oCd  age  :  but  then  thou  must,out'live 
Thy  youth,   thy   strength,   thy   beauty,   which  will 

change 

To  wither'd,  weak  and  grey :  thy  senses  then 
Obtuse,  all  taste  of  pleasure  must  forego. 
To  what  thou  hast ;  and  for  the  air  of  youth, 
Hopeful  and  cheerful,  in  thy  blood  will  reign 
A  melancholy  damp  of  cold  and  dry 
To  weigh  thy  spirits  down,  and  last  consume 
The  balm  of  life.     To  whom  our  ancestor : 

Henceforth  I  fly  not  death,  nor  would  prolong 
Life  much,  bent  rather  how  I  may  be  quit 
Fairest  and  easiest  of  this  cumbrous  charge, 
Which  I  must  keep  till  my  appointed  day 
Of  rend'ring  up,  and  patiently  attend 
My  dissolution.     Michael  reply'd  : 
Nor  love  thy  life,  nor  hate  ;  but  what  thou  liv'st 
Live  well,  how  long  or  short  permit  to  heav'n : 
And  now  prepare  thee  for  another  sight. 

He  look'd,  and  saw  a  spacious  plain,  whereon 
Were  tents  of  various  hue ;  by  some  were  herds 
Of  cattle  grazing :  others,  whence  the  sound 
Of  instruments  that  made  melodious  chime 
Was  heard,  of  harp  and  organ ;  and  who  mov'd 
Their  stops  and  chords  was  seen  ;  his  volant  touch 
Instinct  through  all  proportions  low  and  high, 
Fled  and  pursu'd  transverse  the  resonant  fugue. 
In  other  part  stood  one  who  at  the  forge 
Lab'ring  two  massy  clods  of  iron  and  brass 
Had  melted,  (whether  found  where  casual  fire 
Had  wasted  woods  on  mountain,  or  in  vale, 
25* 


'.  PARAIMSE  i.ojx.  'ROOK  xi. 

Down  10  the  veins  of  ejirth,  thence  gliding  hot 

To  some  cavn's  mouth,  or  whether  wash'd  bv  stream 

From  un-lpi  ground,)  t'.ie  liquid  ore  he  drain'd 

Into  fit  moulds  prepar'.l ;  from  which  he  form'd 

First  IIJK  own  tools;  then,  what  might  else  be  \\roiirh 

Fusii  or  grav'n  in  melul.     After  these, 

But  on  the  hither  side,  a  different  sort 

From  the  high  neighb'ring  hills,  which  was  their  seat, 

Down  to  the  pUjin  descending :  by  their  guise 

Just  men  they  seem'd,  and  all  their  study  bent 

To  worship  God  aright,  and  know  his  works 

Not  hid,  nor  those  things  last  which  might  preserve 

Freedom  and  peace  to  men;  they  on  the  plain 

Long  had  not  walk'd,  when  from  the  tents  behold 

A  bevy  of  fair  women,  richly  gay 

In  gems  and  wanton  dress  ;  to  th'  harp  they  sung 

Soft  amorous  ditties,  and  in  dance  came  on  ; 

The  men  though  grave,  ey'd  them,  and  let  their  eye: 

Rove  without  rein,  till  in  the  amorous  net 

Fast  caught,  they  lik'd,  and  each  his  liking  chose  ; 

And  now  of  love  they  treat,  till  th1  evning  star. 

Love's  harbinger,  appear'd  ;  then  all  in  heal 

They  light  the  nuptial  torch,  and  bid  invoke 

Hymen,  then  first  to  marriage  rites  invok'd  : 

With  feast  and  music  all  the  tents  resound. 

Such  happy  interview  and  fair  event 

Of  love  and  youth  not  lost,  songs,  garlands,  fimv'r*, 

And  charming  symphonies  attach'd  the  heart, 

Of  Adam,  soon  inclin'd  t'  admit  delight, 

T^9  bent  of  nature  ;  which  he  thus  express'd  : 

True  opener  of  mine  eyes,  prime  angel  blest, 
Much  better  seems  this  vision,  and  more  hope- 
Of  peaceful  days  portends,  than  those  two  past  ; 
Those  were  of  hate  and  death,  or  pain  much  worse. 
Here  nature  seems  fulfill'd  in  all  her  ends. 

To  whom  thus  Michael:  Judge  not  what  is  besi 
By  pleasure,  though  to  nature  seeming  meet, 
Created,  as  thou  art,  to  nobler  end 
Holy  and  pure  conformity  divine. 


BOOK  Xi.J  PARADISE   LOST.  295 

Tliose  tents  thou  saw'st  so  pleasant,  were  the  tents 

Of  wickedness,  wherein  shall  dwell  bis  race 

Who  slew  his  brother  ;  studious  they  appear 

Of  arts  that  polish  life,  inventors  rare, 

Unmindful  of  their  Maker,  though  his  spirit 

Taught  them,  but  they  his  gifts  acknowledg'd  none  ; 

Yet  they  a  beauteous  offspring  shall  beget ; 

For  that  fair  female  troop  thou  saws't,  that  seemM 

Of  goddesses,  so  blithe,  so  smooth,  so  gay, 

Yet  empty  of  all  good  wherein  consists 

Woman's  domestic  honour  and  chief  praise  ; 

Bred  only  and  completed  to  the  taste 

Of  lustful  appetence,  to  sing,  to  dance, 

To  dress,  and  troll  the  tongue,  and  roll  the  eye. 

To  these  that  sober  race  of  men,  whose  lives 

Religious  titled  them  the  sons  of  God, 

Shall  yield  up  all  their  virtue,  all  their  fame 

Ignobly,  to  the  trains  and  to  the  smiles 

Of  these  fair  atheists,  and  now  swim  in  joy. 

Ere  long  to  swim  at  large;  and  laugh,  for  which 

The  world  ere  long  a  world  of  tears  must  weep. 

To  whom  thus  Adam  of  short  joy  bereft : 
O  pity  and  shame,  that  they  who  to  live  well 
Enter'd  so  fair  should  turn  aside  to  tread, 
Paths  indirect,  or  in  the  mid  way  faint ! 
But  still  I  see  the  tenor  of  man's  wo 
Holds  on  the  same,  from  woman  to  begin. 

From  man's  effeminate  slackness  it  begins, 
Said  the  angel,  who  should  belter  hold  his  plac« 
By  wisdom,  and  superior  gifts  receiv'd. 
But  now  prepare  thee  for  another  scene. 

He  look  d,  and  saw  wide  territory  spread 
Before  him,  towns,  and  rural  works  between. 
Cities  of  men  with  lofty  gates  and  to\v'rs, 
Concourse  in  arms,  fierce  faces  threat'ning  war, 
Giants  of  mighty  bone,  and  bold  emprise  ; 
Part  weild  their  arms,  part  curb  the  foaming  stefl 
Single,  or  in  array  of  battle  rang'd 
Both  horse  and  foot,  nor  idly  must'ring  stoo ' 


296  PARADISE  LOST.  •  B^OK   TO 

One  way  a  band  select  from  forage  drives 

A  herd  of  beeves,  fair  oxen  and  fair  kine 

From  a  fat  meadow  ground ;  or  fleecy  flock, 

Ewes  and  their  bleating  lambs  over  the  plain, 

Their  booty ;  scarce  with  life  the  shepherds  fly, 

But  call  in  aid,  which  makes  a  bloody  fray : 

Wilh  cruel  tournament  the  squadrons  join  ; 

Where  cattle  pastur'd  late,  now  scatter'd  lies 

With  carcasses  and  arms  th'  ensanguin'd  field 

Deserted :  others  to  a  city  strong 

Lay  siege,  encamp'd  ;  by  battery,  scale,  and  mint, 

Assaulting ;  others  from  the  wall  defend 

With  dart  and  javelin,  stones  and  sulphurous  fire; 

On  each  hand  slaughter  and  gigantic  deeds. 

In  other  part  the  sceptred  heralds  call 

To  council  in  the  city  gates  :  anon 

Grey-headed  men  and  grave,  with  warriors  mix'd, 

Assemble,  and  harangues  are  heard,  but  soon 

In  factious  opposition,  till  at  last 

Of  middle  age  one  rising,  eminent 

In  wise  deport,  spake  much  of  right  and  wrong, 

Of  justice,  of  religion,  truth  and  peace, 

And  judgment  from  above  :  him  old  and  young 

Exploded  and  had  seiz'd  with  violent  hands, 

Had  not  a  cloud  descending  snatch'd  him  thence 

Unseen  amid  the  throng  :  so  violence 

Proceeded,  and  oppression,  and  sword-law 

Through  all  the  plain,  and  refuge  none  was  found. 

Adam  was  all  in  tears,  and  to  his  guide 

Lamenting  turn'd  full  sad :  O  what  are  these, 

Death's  ministers,  not  men,  who  thus  deal  death 

Inhumanly  to  men,  and  multiply 

Ten  thousand  fold  the  sin  of  him  who  slew 

His  brother  ;  for  of  whom  such  massacre 

Make  they  but  of  their  brethren,  men  of  men  ? 

But  who  was  that  just  man,  whom  had  not  heav'n 

Kescued,  had  in  his  righteousness  been  lost  ? 

To  whom  thus  Michael :  These  are  the  product 
Of  those  ill-mated  marriages  thou  saw's1. ; 


PARADISE  LO«T.  297 

Where  good  with  bad  were  match'd,  who  of  them- 
selves 

Abhor  to  join  ;  and  by  imprudence  mix'd, 
Produce  prodigious  births  of  body  or  mind. 
Such  were  these  giants,  men  of  high  renown  ; 
For  in  those  days  might  only  shall  be  admir'd, 
And  valour  and  heroic  yirtue  call'd; 
To  overcome  in  battle,  and  subdue 
Nations,  and  bring  home  spoils  with  infinite 
Man-slaughter,  shall  be  held  the  highest  pitch 
Of  human  glory,  and  for  glory  done 
Of  triumph,  to  be  stil'd  great  conquerors, 
Patrons  of  mankind,  gods,  and  sons  of  gods, 
Destroyers  rightlier  call'd  and  plagues  of  men. 
Thus  fame  shall  be  achiev'd,  renown  on  earth, 
And  what  most  merits  fame  in  silence  hid. 
But  he  the  sev'nth  from  thee,  whom  thou  beheldst 
The  only  righteous  in  a  world  perverse, 
And  therefore  hated,  therefore  so  beset 
With  foes  for  daring  single  to  be  just, 
And  utter  odious  truth,  that  God  would  come 
To  judge  them  with  his  saints  :  him  the  most 
Rapt  in  a  balmy  cloud  with  winged  steeds 
Did,  as  thou  saw'st,  receive,  to  walk  with  God 
High  in  salvation  and  the  climes  of  bliss, 
Exempt  from  death  ;  to  show  thee  what  reward 
Awaits  the  good,  the  rest  what  punishment ; 
Which  now  direct  thine  eyes  and  soon  behold. 

He  look'd,  and  saw  the  face  of  things  quite  chang'1' 
The  brazen  throat  of  war  had  ceas'd  to  roar  • 
All  now  was  turn'd  to  jollity  and  game, 
To  luxury  and  riot,  feast  and  dance, 
Marrying  or  prostituting,  as  befel, 
Rape  or  adultry,  where  passing  fair 
Allur'd  them ;  thence  from  cups  to  civil  broils. 
At  length  a  reverend  sire  among  them  came, 
And  of  their  doings  great  dislike  declar'd, 
And  testify'd  against  their  ways  ;  he  oft 
Frequented  their  assemblies,  whereso  met, 


PARADISE   r.OST.  [BOOK  XI 

Triumphs  or  festivals,  and  to  them  preach M 

Conversion  and  repentance,  as  to  souls 

In  prison  under  judgments  imminent : 

But  all  in  vain :  which  when  he  saw,  he  ceaa'd 

Contending,  and  remov'd  his  tents  far  off; 

Then  from  the  -mountain  hewing  timber  tall, 

Began  to  build  a  vessel  of  huge  bulk, 

Measur'd  by  cubit,  length,  and  breadth,  and  height. 

Smear'd  round  with  pitch,  and  in  the  side  a  door 

Contriv'd,  and  of  provisions  laid  in,  large 

For  man  and  beast :  when  lo  a  wonder  strange  ! 

Of  every  beast,  and  bird,  and  insect  small 

Came  sev'ns,  and  pairs,  and  enter'd  in,  as  taught 

Their  order :  last  the  sire,  and  his  three  sons 

With  their  four  wives ;  and  God  made  fast  the  door. 

Meanwhile  the  south  wind  rose,  and  with  black  wings. 

Wide  hovering,  all  the  clouds  together  drove 

From  under  heav'n ;  the  hills  to  their  supply 

Vapour,  and  exhalation  dusk  and  moist, 

Sent  up  amain  ;  and  now  the  thicken'd  sky 

Like  a  dark  ceiling  stood ;  down  rush'd  the  rain 

Impetuous,  and  continued  till  the  earth 

No  more  was  seen  ;  the  floating  vessel  swum 

Uplifted,  and  secure  with  beaked  prow 

Rode  tilting  o'er  the  waves  ;  all  dwellings  else 

Flood  overwhelmed,  and  them  with  all  their  pomp 

Deep  under  water  roll'd ;  sea  cover'd  sea, 

Sea  without  shore  ;  and  in  their  palaces 

Where  luxury  late  reign'dj  sea  monsters  whelp'd 

And  stabled  ;  of  mankind,  so  numerous  late, 

All  left,  in  one  small  bottom  swum  embark'd. 

How  didst  thou  grieve  then,  Adam,  to  behold 

The  end  of  all  thy  offspring,  and  so  sad 

Depopulation  !  thee  another  flood, 

Of  tears  and  sorrow  a  flood  thee  also  drown 'd, 

And  sunk  thee  as  thy  sons  ;  till  gently  rear'd 

By  th'  angel,  on  thy  feet  thou  stood'st  at  last. 

Though  comfortless,  as  when  a  father  mourns 


BOOK.  XI.  1  PARADISE  LOST.  1299 

His  children,  all  in  view  destroy  d  at  once : 
And  scarce  to  th'  angel  utter'dst  thus  thy  plaint : 

O  visions  ill  foreseen  !  better  had  I 
Liv'd  ignorant  of  future,  so  had  borne 
My  part  of  evil  only,  each  day's  lot 
Enough  to  bear  ;  those  now,  that  were  dispens'd 
The  burden  of  many  ages,  on  me  light 
At  jnce,  by  my  foreknowledge  gaining  birth 
Abortive,  to  torment  me  ere  their  being, 
With  thought  that  they  must  be.     Let  no  man  seek 
Henceforth  to  be  foretold  what  shall  befal 
Him  or  his  children ;  evil  he  may  be  sure, 
Which  neither  his  foreknowing  can  prevent. 
And  he  the  future  evil  shall  no  less 
In  apprehension  than  in  substance  feel 
Grievous  to  bear :  but  that  care  now  is  past, 
Man  is  not  whom  to  warn :  those  few  escap'd 
Famine  and  anguish  will  at  last  consume 
Wand'ring  that  wat'ry  desert :  I  had  hope 
When  violence  was  ceas'd,  and  war  on  earth, 
All  would  have  then  gone  well,  peace  would    have 

crown'd 

With  length  of  happy  days  the  race  of  man  ; 
But  I  was  far  deceiv'd ;  for  now  I  see 
Peace  to  corrupt  no  less  than  war  to  waste. 
How  comes  it  thus  ?  unfold,  celestial  guide, 
And  whether  here  the  race  of  man  will  end. 

To  whom  thus  Michael:    Those  whom  last  'lieu 

saw'st 

In  triumph  and  luxurious  wealth,  are  they 
First  seen  in  acts  of  prowess  eminent 
A.nd  great  exploits,  but  of  true  virtue  void  ; 
Who  having  spilt  much  blood,  and  done  much  waste 
Subduing  nations,  and  achieved  thereby 
Fame  in  the  world,  high  titles,  and  rich  prey, 
Shall  change  their  course  to  pleasure,  ease,  and  sloth 
Surfeit,  and  lust,  till  wantonness  and  pride 
Raise  out  of  friendship  hostile  deeds  in  peace. 
The  conquered  also,  and  enslav'd  by  war 


HUO  PARADISE   LOST.  [BOOK   XI, 

Shall  with  their  freedom  lost,  all  virtui  lose 

And  fear  of  God,  from  whom  their  piety  feign 'd 

In  sharp  contest  of  battle  found  no  aid 

Against  invaders  ;  therefore  cool'd  in  zeal, 

Thenceforth  shall  practise  how  to  live  secure, 

Worldly  or  dissolute,  on  what  their  lords 

Shall  leave  them  to  enjoy  ;  for  th'  earth  shall  bear 

More  than  enough,  that  temp'rance  may  be  try'd  ; 

So  all  shall  turn  degenerate,  all  deprav'd, 

Justice  and  temp'rance,  truth  and  faith  forgot ; 

One  man  except,  the  only  son  of  light 

In  a  dark  age,  against  example  good, 

Against  allurement,  custom,  and  a  world 

Offended ;  fearless  of  reproach  and  scorn, 

Or  violence,  he  of  their  wicked  ways 

Shall  them  admonish,  and  before  them  set 

The  paths  of  righteousness,  how  much  more  s.ii'e, 

And  full  of  peace,  denouncing  wrath  to  cornp 

On  their  impenitence  ;  and  shall  return 

Of  them  derided,  but  of  God  observ'd 

The  one  just  man  alive  ;  by  his  command 

Shall  build  a  wond'rous  ark,  as  thou  beheld's 

To  save  himself  and  household  from  amidst 

A  world  devote  to  universal  wrack 

No  sooner  he  with  them  of  man  and  beast 

Select  for  life  shall  in  the  ark  be  lodg'd, 

And  shelter'd  round,  but  all  the  cataracts 

Of  heav'n  set  open,  on  the  earth  shall  pour 

Kain  day  and  night ;  all  fountains  of  the  deep 

Broke  up,  shall  heave  the  ocean  to  usurp 

Beyond  all  bounds,  till  inundations  rise 

Above  the  highest  hills :  then  shall  this  mount 

Of  Paradise  by  might  of  waves  be  mov'd 

Out  of  his  place,  push'd  by  the  horned  flood, 

With  all  his  verdure  spoil'd,  and  trees  adrift. 

Down  the  great  river  to  the  opening  gulf. 

And  there  take  root  an  island  salt  and  bare, 

The  haunt  of  seals,  and  ores,  and  sea-mews  clang: 

To  teach  thee  that  God  attributes  to  plarp 


BOOK  XI.]  PARADISE  LOST.  301 

No  sanctity,  if  none  be  thither  brought 

By  men  who  there  frequent,  or  therein  dwell. 

And  now  what  further  shall  ensue,  behold  J 

He  look'd,  and  saw  the  ark  hull  on  the  flood, 
Which  now  abated ;  for  the  clouds  were  fled, 
Driv'n  by  a  keen  north  wind,  that  blowing  dry 
Wrinkled  the  face  of  deluge,  as  decay'd ; 
And  the  clear  sun  on  his  wide  wat'ry  glass 
Gaz'd  hot,  and  of  the  fresh  wave  largely  drew 
As  after  thirst,  which  made  their  flowing  shrink 
From  standing  lake  to  tripping  ebb,  that  stole 
With  soft  foot  towards  the  deep,  who  now  had  stop! 
His  sluices,  as  the  heav'n  his  windows  shut. 
The  ark  no  more  now  floats,  but  seems  on  ground 
Fast  on  the  top  of  some  high  mountain  fix'd. 
And  now  the  tops  of  hills  as  rocks  appear : 
With  clamour  thence  the  rapid  currents  drive 
Towards  the  retreating  sea  their  furious  tide. 
Forthwith  from  out  the  ark  a  raven  flies, 
And  after  him,  the  surer  messenger, 
A  dove  sent  forth  once  and  again  to  spy 
Green  tree  or  ground  whereon  his  foot  may  light 
The  second  time  returning,  in  his  bill 
An  olive  leaf  he  brings,  pacific  sign  : 
Anon  dry  ground  appears,  and  from  his  ark 
The  ancient  sire  descends  with  all  his  train  : 
Then  with  uplifted  hands,  and  eyes  devout, 
Grateful  to  heav'n,  over  his  head  beholds 
A  dewy  cloud,  and  in  the  cloud  a  bow 
Conspicuous  with  three  listed  colours  gay, 
Betokening  peace  from  God,  and  covenant  new. 
Whereat  the  heart  of  Adam  erst  so  sad 
Greatly  rejoic'd,  and  thus  his  joy  broke  forth  . 

O  thou  who  future  things  canst  represent 
As  present,  heav'nly  instructor,  I  revive 
At  this  last  sight,  assur'd  that  man  shall  live 
With  all  the  creatures,  and  their  seed  preserve. 
Far  less  I  now  lament  for  one  whole  world 
Of  'ricke-1  "ons  destroy 'd,  than  I  rejoice 
26 


302  PARADISE  LOST.  [BOOK  XI 

For  one  man  found  so  perfect  and  so  just, 

That  God  vouchsafes  to  raise  another  world 

From  him,  and  all  his  anger  to  forget. 

But  say,  what  mean  those  colour'd  streaks  iti  heav'n 

Distended  as  the  brow  of  God  appeas'd  ? 

Or  serve  they  as  a  flow'ry  verge  to  bind 

The  fluid  skirts  of  that  same  wat'ry  cloud, 

Lest  it  again  dissolve  and  show'r  the  earth  ? 

T'  whom  th'  archangel :  Dext'rously  thou  a-hn'st, 
So  willingly  doth  God  remit  his  ire, 
Though  late  repenting  him  of  man  deprav'd 
Griev'd  at  his  heart,  when  looking  down  he  saw 
The  whole  earth  fill'd  with  violence,  and  all  flesh 
Corrupting  each  their  way  ;  yet  those  remov'd, 
Such  grace  shall  one  just  man  find  in  his  siffht. 
That  he  relents,  not  to  blot  out  mankind. 
And  makes  a  covenant  never  to  destroy 
The  earth  again  by  flood,  nor  let  the  sea 
Surpass  his  bounds,  nor  rain  to  drown  the  world 
With  man  theiein,  or  beast;  but  when  he  brings 
Over  the  earth  a  cloud,  will  therein  set 
His  iriple-colour'd  bow,  whereon  to  look 
And  call  to  mind  his  covenant ;  day  and  night, 
Seed-time  and  harvest,  heat  and  hoary  fiost 
Shall  hold  their  course,  till  fire  purge  all  things  now 
Both  heav'n  and  earth,  wherein  the  just  shall  dweii. 


EM*  OF  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK 


THE 

TWELFTH  BOOK 

OF 

PARADISE  LOST. 


THE  ARGUMENT 


THE  angel  Michue)  continues  from  the  tiood  to  relate  what  shall 
succeed;  then,  in  the  mention  of  Abraham,  ;omes  hy  degrees  to 
exp.am,  who  that  seed  of  the  woman  shall  be,  which  was  prom- 
ised Adam  and  Eve  in  the  fall;  his  incarnation,  death,  resurrec- 
tion and  ascension  ;  the  state  of  the  dinrcli  till  his  second  com- 
ing. Adam  greatly  satisfied  and  recomfoifed  by  these  relations 
and  promises,  descends  the  hill  with  Michael ;  wakens  Eve,  who 
all  this  while  had  slept,  but  with  gentle  dreams  composed  to 
quietness  of  mind,  and  submission.  Michael  in  either  hand  leads 
them  out  of  Paradise,  the  fiery  sword  waving  behind  them,  and 
the  cherubim,  inking  their  stations  to  guard  the  place. 


PARADISE    LOST. 


BOOK   XII. 

As  one  who  in  his  journey  bates  at  noon, 
Though  bent  on  speed  ;  so  here  ths  archangel  pa  us  d 
Betwixt  the  world  destroyed,  and  world  restor'd. 
If  Adam  aught  perhaps  might  interpose ; 
Then  with  transition  sweet  new  speech  resumes 
T-hus  thou  hast  seen  one  world  begin  and  en 
And  man  as  from  a  second  stock  proceed. 
Much  thou  hast  yet  to  see,  but  I  perceive 
Thy  mortal  sight  to  fail ;  objects  divine 
Must  needs  impair,  and  weary  human  sense : 
Henceforth  what  is  to  come  I  will  relate, 
Thou- therefore  give  due  audience,  and  attend. 
This  second  source  of  men,  while  yet  but  few, 
And  while  the  dread  of  judgment  past  remains 
Fresh  in  their  minds,  fearing  the  Deity, 
With  some  regard  to  what  is  just  and  right 
Shall  lead  their  lives,  and  multiply  apace, 
Lab'ring  the  soil,  and  reaping  plenteous  crop, 
Coin,  wine  and  oil ;  and  from  the  herd  or  flock, 
Oft  sacrificing  bullock,  lamb,  or  kid, 
With  large  wine-offerings  pour'd  and  sacred  feast. 
Shall  spend  their  days  in  joy  unblam'd,  and  dwell 
Long  time  in  peace,  by  families  and  tribes 
Under  paternal  rule :  till  one  shall  rise 
Of  proud  ambitious  heart,  who  not  content 
26* 


30fi  FAIUD;?F.  LO«T.  [BOOK  xu. 

With  fair  equality,  fraternal  state, 
Will  arrogate  dominion  undeserv'd 
Over  his  brethren,  and  quite  dispossess 
Concord  and  law  of  nature  from  the  earth, 
Hunting  (and  men,  not  beasts,  shall  be  his  same,) 
With  war  and  hostile  snare  such  as  refuse 
Subjection  to  his  empire  tyrannous  : 
A  mighty  hunter  thence  he  shall  be  styl'd 
Before  the  Lord,  as  in  despite  of  heav'n, 
Or  from  heav'n  claiming  second  sov'reignty ; 
And  from  rebellion  shall  derive  his  name, 
Though  of  rebellion  others  he  accuse. 
He  with  a  crew,  whom  like  ambition  joins 
With  him  or  under  him  to  tyrannize, 
Marching  from  Eden  towards  the  west,  shall  finu 
The  plain,  wherein  a  black  bituminous  gurge 
Boils  out  from  under  ground,  the  mouth  of  he!!  : 
Of  brick,  and  of  that  stuff  they  cast  to  build 
A  city  and  tow'r,  whose  top  may  reach  to  heav'n 
And  get  themselves  a  name,  lest  far  dispers'd 
In  foreign  lands  their  memory  be  lost, 
Regardless  whether  good  or  evil  fame. 
But  God  who  oft  descends  to  visit  men 
Unseen,  and  through  their  habitations  walks 
To  mark  their  doings,  them  beholding  soon, 
koines  down  to  see  their  city,  ere  the  tower 
Obstruct  heav'n-tow'rs,  and  in  derision  sets 
Upon  their  tongues  a  various  spirit  to  raze 
Quite  out  their  native  language,  and  instead 
To  sow  a  jangling  noise  of  words  unknown  : 
Forthwith  a  hideous  gabble  rises  loud 
Among  the  builders  ;  each  to  other  calls 
Not  unders  ood,  till  hoarse,  and  all  in  rage, 
As  mock'd  they  storm  ;  great  laughter  was  in  heav'n 
And  looking  down  to  see  the  hubbub  strange, 
And  hear  the  din;  thus  was  the  building  left 
Ridiculous,  and  the  work  Confusion  nam'd. 
Whereto  thus  Adam  fatherly  displeas'd  * 
O  execrable  son  so  to  aspire 


POOJi  XII.  I  TMRAD1SE   LOST. 

Above  his  brethren,  to  himself  assuming 
Authority  usurp'd,  from  God  not  given  : 
He  gave  us  only  over  beast,  fish,  fowl, 
Dominion  absolute,  that  right  we  hold 
By  his  donation ;  but  man  over  men 
He  made  not  lord ;  such  title  to  himse.'.f 
Reserving,  human  left  from  human  free. 
But  this  usurper  his  encroachment  proud 
Stays  not  on  man ;  to  God  his  tow'r  intends 
Siege  and  defiance  :  wretched  man  !  what  food 
Will  he  convey  up  thither  to  sustain 
Himself  and  his  rash  army,  where  thin  air 
Above  the  clouds  will  pine  his  entrails  gross, 
And  famish  him  of  breath,  if  not  of  bread  ? 

To  whom  thus  Michael :  Justly  thou  abhorr'st 
That  son,  who  on  the  quiet  state  of  men 
Such  trouble  brought,  affecting  to  subdue 
Rational  liberty ;  yet  know  withal, 
Since  thy  original  lapse,  true  liberty 
Is  lost,  which  always  with  right  reason  dwells 
Twinn'd,  and  from  her  hath  no  dividual  being : 
Reason  in  man  obscur'd,  or  not  obey'd, 
Immediately  inordinate  desires 
And  upstart  passions  catch  the  goverment. 
From  reason,  and  to  servitude  reduce 
Man  till  then  free.     Therefore  since  he  permits 
Within  himself  unworthy  pow'rs  to  reign 
Over  free  reason,  God  in  judgment  just 
Subjects  him  from  without  to  violent  lords; 
Who  oft  as  undeservedly  inthral 
His  outward  freedom ;  tyranny  must  be, 
Though  to  the  tyrant  thereby  no  excuse. 
Vet  sometimes  nations  will  decline  so  low 
From  virtue,  which  is  reason,  that  no  wrong, 
But  justice,  and  some  fatal  curse  annexM 
Deprives  them  of  their  outward  liberty, 
Their  inward  lost;  witness  th'  irreverent  son 
Of  him  who  built  the  ark,  who  for  the  shame 
Done  to  his  father  heard  this  heavy  curse, 


3'lS  PAKADISE  LOST.  [B<H)K  XII 

Servant  of  servants,  on  his  vicious  race. 

Thus  will  this  latter,  as  the  former  world, 

Still  tend  from  bad  to  worse,  till  God  at  last 

Wearied  with  their  iniquities,  withdraw 

His  presence  from  among  them,  and  avert 

His  holy  eyes  :  resolving  from  thenceforth 

To  leave  them  to  their  own  polluted  ways ; 

And  one  peculiar  nation  to  select 

From  all  the  rest,  of  whom  to  be  invok'd, 

A  nation  from  one  faithful  man  to  spring; 

Him  on  this  side  Euphrates  yet  residing, 

Bred  up  in  idol  worship ;  O  that  men 

(Canst  thou  believe  ?)  should  be  so  stupid  grown, 

While  yet  the  patriarch  liv'd,  who  'scap'd  the  flood, 

As  to  forsake  the  living  God,  and  fall 

To  worship  their  own  work  in  wood  and  stone 

For  gods !  yet  him  God  the  most  high  vouchsafes 

To  call  by  vision  from  his  father's  house, 

His  kindred  and  false  gods,  into  a  land 

WTiich  he  will  show  him,  and  from  him  wil.  raise 

A  mighty  nation,  and  upon  him  shower 

His  benediction  so,  that  in  his  seed 

All  nations  shall  be  blest;  he  straight  obeys, 

Not  knowing  to  what  land,  yet  firm  believes : 

I  see  him,  but  thou  canst  not,  with  what  faith 

He  leaves  his  gods,  his  friends,  and  native  soil 

Ur  of  Chaldea,  passing  now  the  ford 

To  Haran,  after  him  a  cumberous  train 

Of  herds  and  flocks,  and  numerous  servitude ; 

Not  wand'ring  poor,  but  trusting  all  his  wealth 

With  God,  who  call'd  him,  in  a  land  unknown. 

Canaan  he  now  attains ;  I  see  his  tents 

Pitch'd  about  Sechem,  and  the  neighb'ring  plain 

Of  Moreh ;  there  by  promise  he  receives 

Gift  to  his  progeny  of  all  that  land, 

From  Hamath  northward  to  the  desert  south, 

(Things  by  their  names  I  call,  though  yet  unnam'd.) 

From  Hermon  east  to  the  great  western  sea ; 

Mount  Hermon,  yonder  sea  e-ich  place  behold 


BOOK  XII. J  PARADISE  LOST.  309 

Tn  prospect,  as  I  point  them  :  on  the  shorn 

Mount  Carmel ;  here  the  double-foun-ted  stream 

Jordan,  true  limit  eastward;  but  his  sons 

Shall  dwell  to  Senir,  that  long  ridge  of  hills. 

This  ponder,  that  all  nations  of  the  earth 

Shall  in  his  seed  be  blessed  ;  by  that  seed 

Is  meant  thy  great  Deliverer,  who  shall  bruise 

The  serpent's  head  ;  whereof  to  thee  anon 

Plainlier  shall  be  reveal'd.     This  patriarch  blest 

Whom  faithful  Abraham  due  time  shall  call, 

A  son,  and  of  his  son  a  granchild  leaves, 

Like  him  in  faith,  in  wisdom,  and  renown ; 

The  granchild  with  twelve  sons  increas'd  departs 

From  Canaan,  to  a  land  hereafter  call'd 

Egypt,  divided  by  the  river  Nile  ; 

See  where  it  flows,  disgorging  at  sev'n  mouths 

Into  the  sea  :  to  sojourn  in  that  land 

He  comes  invited  by  a  younger  son 

In  time  of  dearth,  a  son  whose  worthy  deeds 

Raise  him  to  be  the  second  in  that  realm 

Of  Pharaoh :  there  he  dies,  and  leaves  his  race 

Growing  into  a  nation,  and  now  grown 

Suspected  to  a  sequent  king,  who  seeks 

To  stop  their  overgrowth,  as  inmate  guests 

Too  numerous ;  whence  of  guests  he  makes  them  slaves 

Inhospitably,  and  kills  their  infant  males  : 

Till  by  two  brethren  (those  two  brethren  call 

Moses  and  Aaron,)  sent  them  from  God  to  claim 

His  people  from  enthralment,  they  return 

With  glory  and  spoil  back  to  their  promis'd  land. 

But  first  the  lawless  tyrant,  who  denies 

To  know  their  God.  or  message  to  regard, 

Must  be  compell'd  by  signs  and  judgments  dire  • 

To  blood  unshed  the  rivers  must  be  turn'd  ; 

Frogs,  lice,  and  flies,  must  all  his  palace  fill 

With  loath'd  intrusion,  and  fill  all  the  land  ; 

His  cattle  must  of  rot  and  murrain  die  ; 

Botches  and  blains  must  all  his  flesh  emboss. 

And  all  his  people;  thunder  mix'd  with  hail, 


310  KAKAUISK  LOS>T.  [r.cOK   \i>. 

Hull  mix'd  with  fire,  must  rend  tfi   Egyptian  sky, 

And  wheel  on  th'  earth,  devouring  where  it  rolls; 

What  it  devours  not,  herb,  or  fruit,  or  grain, 

A  darksome  cloud  of  locusts  swarming  down 

Must  eat,  and  on  the  ground  leave  nothing  green  ; 

Darkness  must  overshadow  all  his  bounds, 

Palpable  darkness,  and  blot  out  three  days  : 

Last  with  one  midnight  stroke  all  the  first-born 

Of  Egypt  must  lie  dead.     Thus  with  ten  wounds 

The  river-dragon  tam'd  at.  length  submits 

To  let  his  sojourners  depart,  and  oft 

Humbles  his  stubborn  heart,  but  still  as  ice 

More  harden'd  after  thaw,  till  in  his  rage 

F'ursuing  whom  he  late  dismiss'd,  the  sea 

Swallows  him  with  his  host,  but  them  lets  puss 

As  on  dry  land,  between  two  crystal  walls, 

Aw'd  by  the  rod  of  Moses  so  to  stand 

Divided,  till  his  rescu'd  gain  their  shore  : 

Such  wondrous  pow'r  God  to  his  saint  will  lend, 

Though  present  in  his  angel,  who  shall  go 

Before  them  in  a  cloud,  and  pillar  of  fire, 

By  day  a  cloud,  by  night  a  pillar  of  fire, 

To  guide  them  in  their  journey,  and  remove 

Behind  them,  while  th'  obdurate  king  pursues : 

All  night  he  will  pursue,  but  his  approach 

Darkness  defends  between  till  morning  wzMch  : 

Then  through  the  fiery  pillar  and  the  cloud, 

God  looking  forth  will  trouble  all  his  host, 

And  craze  their  chariot  wheels:  when  by  comnand 

Moses  once  more  his  potent  rod  extends 

Over  the  sea  ;  the  sea  his  rod  obeys  ; 

On  their  embattled  ranks  the  waves  return, 

And  overwhelm  their  war:  the  race  elect 

Safe  towards  Canaan  from  the  shore  advance 

Through  the  wild  desert,  not  the  readiest  way, 

Lest  ent'ring  on  the  Canaanite  alarm 'd 

War  terrify  them  inexpert,  and  fear 

Return  them  back  to  Egypt,  choosing  rather 

Inglorious  life  with  servitude;  for  life 


BOOK   XII.]  PARADISE    LOST.  31  I 

To  noble  and  ignoble  is  more  sweet 

Untrain'd  in  arms,  where  rashness  leads  not  on 

This  also  shall  they  gain  by  their  delay 

In  the  wide  wilderness;  there  they  shall  found 

Their  government,  and  their  great  senate  choose 

Through  the  twelve  tribes  to  rule  by  laws  ordain  'd 

God  from  the  mount  of  Sinai,  whose  grey  top 

Shall  tremble,  he  descending,  will  himself 

In  thunder,  lightning,  and  loud  trumpet's  sound, 

Ordain  them  laws  ;  part  such  as  appertain 

To  civil  justice,  part  religious  rites 

Of  sacrifice,  informing  them  by  types 

And  shadows,  of  that  destin'd  seed  to  bruise 

The  serpent,  by  what  means  he  shall  acheive 

Mankind's  deliverance.     But  the  voice  of  God 

To  mortal  ear  is  dreadful ;  they  beseech 

That  Moses  might  report  to  them  his  will, 

And  terror  cease  ;  he  grants  what  they  besought, 

Instructed  that  to  God  is  no  access 

Without  mediator,  whose  high  office  now 

Moses  in  figure  bears,  to  introduce 

One  greater,  of  whose  day  he  shall  foretel, 

And  ail  the  prophets  in  their  age  the  times 

Of  great  Messiah  shall  sing.     Thus  laws  and  rite;* 

Establish'd,  such  delight  hath  God  in  men 

Obedient  to  his  will,  that  he  vouchsafes 

Among  them  to  set  up  his  tabernacle, 

The  holy  One  with  mortal  men  to  dwell ; 

By  his  prescript  a  sanctuary  is  fram'd 

Of  cedar,  overlaid  with  gold,  therein 

An  ark,  and  in  the  ark  his  testimony, 

The  records  of  his  covenant ;  over  these 

A  mercy  seat  of  Gold  between  the  wings 

Of  two  bright  cherubim ;  before  him  bum 

Sev'n  lamps  as  in  a  zodiac  representing 

The  heav'nly  fires ;  over  the  tent  a  cloud 

Shall  rest  by  day,  a  fiery  gleam  by  nighi, 

Save  when  they  journey,  and  at  length  they  ,-onuv 

Conducted  by  his  anpel  to  the  land 


312  PARADISE  TOST.  [Eooh  xu. 

Promis'd  to  Abraham  and  his  seed  :  the  rest 
Were  long  to  tell,  how  many  battles  roughi, 
How  many  kings  destroy'd  and  kingdoms  -von, 
Or  how  the  sun  shall  in  mid  heav'n  stand  still 
A  day  entire,  and  night's  due  course  adjourn, 
Man's  voice  commanding,  Sun  in  Gibeon  stand. 
And  thou  moon  in  the  vale  of  Ajalon, 
Till  Israel  overcome  ;  so  call  the  third 
From  Abraham,  son  of  Isaac,  and  from  him 
His  whole  descent,  who  thus  shall  Canaan  win. 

Here  Adam  interpos'd :  O  sent  from  heav'n, 
Enlight'ner  of  my  darkness,  gracious  things 
Thou  hast  reveal'd,  those  chiefly  which  concern 
Just  Abraham  and  his  seed :  now  first  I  find 
Mine  eyes  true  opening,  and  my  heart  much  eas'd, 
Erewhile  perplex'd  with  thoughts  what  would  become 
Of  me  and  all  mankind  ;  but  now  I  see 
His  day,  In  whom  all  nations  shall  be  blest, 
Favour  unmerited  by  me,  who  sought 
Forbidden  knowledge  by  forbidden  means. 
This  yet  1  apprehend  not,  why  to  those 
Among  whom  God  will  deign  to  dwell  on  earth, 
So  many  and  so  various  laws  are  given; 
So  many  laws  argues  so  many  sins 
A.mong  them  ;  how  can  God  with  such  reside  ? 

To  whom  thus  Michael :  Doubt  not  but  that  sin 
Will  reign  among  them,  as  of  thee  begot : 
And  therefore  was  law  given  them  to  evince 
Their  natural  pravity,  by  stirring  up 
Sin  against  law  to  fight :  that  when  they  see 
Law  can  discover  sin,  but  now  remove, 
Save  by  those  shadowy  expiations  weak, 
The  blood  of  bulls  and  goats,  they  may  conclude 
Some  blood  more  precious  must  be  paid  for  man. 
Just  for  unjust,  that  in  such  righteousness 
To  them  by  faith  imputed,  they  may  find 
Justification  towards  God,  and  peace 
Of  conscience,  which  the  law  by  ceremonies 
Cannot  appease,  nor  man  the  mortal  part 


HOOK   XH.]  PARADISE^  LOST.  313 

Perform,  and  not  performing  cannot  live. 
So  law  appears  imperfect,  and  but  given 
With  purpose  to  resign  them  in  full  time 
Up  to  a  better  covenant,  disciplin'd 
From  shadowy  types  to  truth,  from  flesh  to  spirit, 
Prom  imposition  of  strict  laws  to  free 
Acceptance  of  large  grace,  from  servile  fear 
To  filial,  works  of  law  to  works  of  faith. 
And  therefore  shall  not  Moses,  though  of  God 
Highly  belov'd,  being  but  the  minister 
Of  law,  his  people  into  Canaan  lead  ; 
But  Joshua  whom  the  gentiles  Jesus  call, 
His  name  and  office  bearing,  who  shall  quell 
The  adversary  serpent,  and  bring  back 
Through  the  world's  wilderness  long  wandered  mar 
Safe  to  eternal  paradise  of  rest. 
Meanwhile  they  in  their  earthly  Canaan  plac'd 
Long  time  shall  dwell  and  prosper,  but  when  sins 
National  interrupt  their  public  peace, 
Provoking  God  to  raise  them  enemies ; 
From  whom  as  oft  he  saves  them  penitent 
By  judges  first,  then  under  kings ;  of  whom 
The  second,  both  for  piety  renown'd 
And  puissant  deeds,  a  promise  shall  receive 
Irrevocable,  that  his  regal  throne 
For  ever  shall  endure  ;  the  like  shall  sing 
All   prophecy,  that  of  the  royal  stock 
Of  David  (so  I  name  this  king,)  shall  rise 
A  son,  the  woman's  seed  to  thee  foretold, 
Foretold  to  Abraham,  as  in  whom  shall  trust 
All  nations,  and  to  kings  foretold,  of  kings 
The  last,  for  of  his  reign  shall  be  no  end. 
But  first  a  long  succession  must  ensue, 
And  his  next  son,  for  wealth  and  wisdom  fam'd 
The  clouded  ark  of  God,  till  then  in  tents 
Wand'ring,  shall  in  a  glorious  temple  enshrine. 
Such  follow  him,  as  shall  be  register'd 
Part  good,  part  bad,  of  bad  the  longer  scroll. 
Whose  foul  idolatries,  and  other  faults 
27 


•314  P/RADISE   LOST.  [BOOK  XII 

Heap'd  to  the  popular  sum,  will  so  incense 

God,  as  to  leave  them,  and  expose  their  land, 

Their  city,  his  temple,  and  his  holy  ark 

With  all  his  sacred  things,  a  scorn  and  prey 

To  that  proud  city,  whose  high  walls  thou  saw 'el 

Left  in  confusion,  Babylon  thence  call'd. 

There  in  captivity  he  lets  them  dwell 

The  space  of  sev'nty  yearo,  then  brings  them  bact 

Rememb'ring  mercy,  and  his  covenant  sworn 

To  David,  stablish'd  as  the  days  of  heav'n. 

Return'd  from  Babylon  by  leave  of  kings 

Their  lords,  whom  God  dispos'd,  the  house  of  Go 

They  first  re-edify,  and  for  awhile 

In  mean  estate  live  moderate,  till  grown 

In  wealth  and  multitude,  factious  they  grow  : 

But  first  among  the  priests  dissension  springs, 

Men  who  attend  the  altar,  and  should  most 

Endeavour  peace  :  their  strife  pollution  b-ing-» 

Upon  the  temple  itself;  at  last  they  seize 

The  sceptre,  and  regard  not  David's  sons, 

Then  lose  it  to  a  stranger,  that  the  true 

Anointed  king  Messiah  might  be  born 

Barr'd  of  his  right ;  yet  at  his  birth  a  star 

Unseen  before  in  heav'n  proclaims  him  come. 

And  guides  the  eastern  sages,  who  inquire 

His  place,  to  offer  incense,  myrrh,  and  gold ; 

His  place  of  birth  a  solemn  angel  tells 

To  simple  shepherds,  keeping  watch  by  night ; 

They  gladly  thither  haste,  and  by  a  choir 

Of  squadron 'd  angels  hear  his  carol  sung. 

A  virgin  is  his  mother,  but  his  sire 

The  pow'r  of  the  most  High  ;  he  shall  ascend 

The  throne  hereditary,  and  bound  his  reign 

With  earth's  wide  bounds,  his  glory  with  the  heav'u; 

He  ceas'd,  discerning  Adam  with  such  joy 
Surcharg'd,  as  had  like  grief  been  dew'd  in  tears, 
Without  the  vent  of  words,  which  these  he  breath'd . 

O  prophet  of  glad  tidings,  finisher 
Of  utmost  hope  !  now  clear  I  understand 


BOOK  XI1.J  PARADISE  LOST.  315 

What  oft  my  steadiest  tho'ts  have  search 'd  in  vain  ; 
Why  our  great  expectation  should  be  call'd 
The  seed  of  woman :  virgin  mother,  hail, 
High  in  the  love  of  heav'n,  yet  from  my  loins 
Thou  shall  proceed,  and  from  thy  womb  the  Son 
Of  God  most  High ;  so  God  with  man  unites. 
Needs  must  the  serpent  now  his  capital  bruise 
Expect  with  mortal  pain  :  say  where  and  when 
Their  fight,  what  stroke  shajl  bruise  the  victor's  heel. 
To  whom  thus  Michael :  Dream  not  of  their  fight, 
As  of  a  duel,  or  the  local  wounds 
Of  head  or  heel ;  not  therefore  joins  the  Son 
Manhood  to  godhead,  with  more  strength  to  foil 
Thy  enemy :  nor  so  is  overcome 
Satan,  whose  fall  from  heav'n,  a  deadlier  bruise, 
Disabled  not  to  give  thee  thy  death's  wound  ; 
Which  he,  who  comes  thy  Saviour,  shall  re-cure, 
Not  by  destroying  Satan,  but  his  works 
In  thee  and  in  thy  seed ;  nor  can  this  be, 
But  by  fulfilling  that  which  thou  didst  want, 
Obedience  to  the  law  of  God,  imposed 
On  penalty  of  death,  and  suffering  death, 
The  penalty  of  thy  transgression  due, 
And  due  to  theirs,  which  out  of  thine  will  grow : 
So  only  can  high  justice  rest  appaid. 
The  law  of  God  exact  he  shall  fulfil 
Both  by  obedience  and  by  love,  though  love 
Alone  fulfil  the  law  :  thy  punishment 
He  shall  endure  by  coming  in  the  flesh 
To  a  reproachful  life  and  cursed  death, 
Proclaiming  life  to  all  who  shall  believe 
In  his  redemption,  and  that  his  obedience 
Imputed  becomes  theirs  by  faith,  his  merits 
To  save  them  not  their  own,  though  legal  works 
For  this  he  shall  live  hated,  be  blasphem'd, 
Seiz'd  on  by  force,  judg'd,  and  to  death  condemn'd 
A  shameful  and  accurs'd,  nail'd  to  the  cross 
By  his  own  nation,  slain  for  bringing  life  ; 
But  to  the  cnss  he  nails  thy  enemies, 


316  PAUADISE   LOST.  !  BOOK   X1J. 

The  law  that  is  against  thee,  and  the  sins 
Of  all  mankind,  with  him  there  crucify'd, 
Never  to  hurt  them  more  who  rightly  trust 
In  this  his  satisfaction  :  so  he  dies, 
But  soon  revives;  death  over  him  no  power 
Shall  long  usurp ;  ere  the  third  dawning  light 
Return,  the  stars  of  morn  shall  see  him  rise 
Out  of  his  grave,  fresh  as  the  dawning  light, 
Thy  ransom  paid,  which  man  from  death  redeems, 
His  death  for  man,  as  many  as  offer'd  life 
Neglect  not,  and  the  benefit  embrace 
By  faith  not  void  of  works  :  this  godlike  act 
Annuls  thy  doom,  the  death  thou  should'st  have  (iv'<4 
In  sin  for  ever  lost  from  life  ;  this  act 
Shall  bruise  the  head  of  Satan,  crusli  his  strength. 
Defeating  sin  aad  death  his  two  main  arms, 
And  fix  far  deeper  in  his  head  their  stings 
Than  temp'ral  death,  shall  bruise  the  victor's  heel, 
Or  theirs  whom  he  redeems,  a  death  like  sleep. 
\.  gentle  wafting  to  immortal  life, 
tfor  after  resurrection  shall  he  stay, 
Longer  on  earth  than  certain  times  t'  appear 
To  his  disciples,  men  who  in  his  life 
Still  follow'd  him  ;  to  them  shall  leave  in  charge 
To  teach  all  nations  what  of  him  they  learn'H. 
And  his  salvation,  them  who  shall  believe 
Baptizing  in  the  profluent  stream,  the  sign 
Of  washing  them  from  guilt  of  sin  to  life 
Pure,  and  in  mind  prepar'd,  if  so  befal, 
For  death  like  that  which  the  Redeemer  dy'd. 
All  nations  they  shall  teach  ;  for  from  that  day 
Not  only  to  the  sons  of  Abraham's  loins 
Salvation  shall  be  preach'd,  but  to  the  sons 
Of  Abraham's  faith  wherever  through  the  world  ; 
So  in  his  seed  all  nations  shall  be  blest. 
Then  to  the  heav'n  of  heav'ns  he  shall  ascend 
With  victory,  triumphing  through  the  air 
Over  his  foes  and  thine  ;  there  shall  surprise 
The  serpent,  prince  of  air,  and  drag  in  chains 


BOOK  XII.  |  PAKAW^i:   LOST. 


Through  all  his  realm,  and  there  confounded  leave ; 

Then  enter  into  glory,  and  resume 

His  seat  at  God's  right  hand,  exalted  high 

Above  all  names  in  heav'n ;  and  thence  shall  come. 

When  this  world's  dissolution  shall  be  ripe, 

With  glory  and  pow'r  to  judge  both  quick  and  dead, 

To"  judge  th'  unfaithful  dead,  but  to  reward 

His  faithful,  and  receive  them  into  uliss, 

Whether  in  heav'n  or  earth,  for  then  the  earth 

Shall  all  be  Paradise,  far  happier  place 

Than  this  of  Eden,  and  far  happier  days. 

So  spake  th'  archangel  Michael,  then  paus'd. 
As  at  the  world's  great  period ;  and  our  sire 
Replete  with  joy  arid  wonder  thus  reply'd  : 

O  goodness  infinite,  goodness  immense  ! 
That  all  this  good  of  evil  shall  produce, 
And  evil  turn  to  good ;  more  wonderful 
Than  that  which  by  creation  first  brought  forth 
Light  out  of  darkness  !  full  of  doubt  I  stand, 
Whether  I  should  repent  me  now  of  sin 
By  me  done  and  occasion'd,  or  rejoice 
Much  more,  that  much  more  good  thereof  shall  spring 
To  God  more  glory,  more  good  will  to  men 
From  God,  and  over  wrath  grace  shall  abound. 
But  say,  if  our  Deliverer  up  to  heav'n 
Must  reascend,  what  will  betide  the  few 
His  faithful,  left  among  th'  unfaithful  herd, 
The  enemies  of  truth  ?  who  then  shall  guide 
His  people,  who  defend  ?  will  they  not  deal 
Worse  with  his  followers  than  with  him  they  dealt  ? 

Be  sure  they  will,  said  th'  angel :  but  from  heav'n 
He  to  his  own  a  Comforter  will  send, 
The  promise  of  the  Father,  who  shall  dwell 
His  Spirit  within  them,  and  the  law  of  faith 
Working  through  love,  upon  their  hearts  shall  writf 
To  guide  them  in  all  truth,  and  also  arm 
With  spiritual  armour,  able  to  resist 
Satan's  assaults,  and  quench  his  fiery  darts, 
What  man  can  do  against  them,  not  afraid, 
27* 


318  FAI5AD1SE   LOST.'  [BOOK  XII 

Though  to  the  death,  against  such  cruelties 

With  inward  consolations  recompens'd, 

And  oft  supported  so  as  shall  amaze 

Their  proudest  persecuters  :  for  the  Spirit 

Pour'd  first  on  his  apostles,  whom  he  sends 

To  evangelize  the  nations,  then  on  all 

Baptiz'd,  shall  them  with  wondrous  gifts  endue 

To  speak  all  tongues,  and  do  all  miracles, 

As  did  their  Lord  before  them.     Thus  they  win 

Great  numbers  of  each  nation  to  receive 

With  joy  the  tidings  brought  from  heav'n  ;  at  longtli 

Their  ministry  perform'd,  and  race  well  run, 

Their  doctrine  and  their  story  written  left, 

They  die;  but  in  their  room  as  they  forewarn, 

Wolves  shall  succeed  for  teachers,  grievous  wolves. 

Who  all  the  sacred  mysteries  of  heav'n 

To  their  own  vile  advantages  shall  turn, 

Of  lucre  and  ambition,  and  the  truth 

With  superstitions  and  traditions  taint. 

Left  only  in  those  written  records  pure, 

Though  not  but  by  the  Spirit  understood. 

Then  shall  they  seek  t'  avail  themselves  of  names. 

Places,  and  titles,  and  with  these  to  join 

Secular  pow'r,  though  feigning  still  to  act 

By  spiritual,  to  themselves  appropriating 

The  spirit  of  God,  promis'd  alike,  and  giv'n 

To  all  believers  ;  and  from  that  pretence, 

Spiritual  laws  by  carnal  pow'r  shall  force 

On  every  conscience;  laws  which  none  shall  Hi  id 

Left  them  enroll'd,  or  what  the  Spirit  within 

Shall  on  the  heart  engrave.     What  will  they  thoi 

But  force  the  Spirit  of  grace  itself,  and  bind 

His  consort  liberty  ?  what,  but  unbuild 

His  living  temples,  built  by  faith  to  stand, 

Their  own  faith  not  another's  ?  for  on  earth 

Who  against  faith  and  conscience  can  be  heard  * 

Infallible,  yet  many  will  presume  : 

Whence  heavy  persecution  shall  arise 

On  all  who  in  the  worship  persevere 


BOOK  XII. J  PARADISE   tOST.  31 

Of  spirit  and  truth  ;  the  rest,  far  greater  part, 
Will  deem  in  outward  rites  and  specious  forms 
Religion  satisfy 'd  :  truth  shall  retire 
Bestuck  with  sland'rous  darts,  and  works  of  faith 
Rarely  be  found  :  so  shall  the  world  go  on 
To  good  malignant,  to  bad  men  benign, 
Glider  her  own  weight  groaning,  till  the  day 
Appear  of  respiration  to  the  just, 
An-d  vengeance  to  the  wicked,  at  return 
Of  him  so  lately  promis'd  to  thy  aid, 
To  woman's  Seed  obscurely  then  foretold, 
Now  amplier>known  thy  Saviour  and  thy  Lord, 
Last  in  the  clouds  from  heav'n  to  be  reveal'd 
In  glory  of  the  Father,  to  dissolve 
Satan  with  his  perverted  world,  then  raise 
From  the  conflagrant  mass,  purg'd  and  refiu 'd, 
New  heav'ns,  new  earth  ages  of  endless  dale 
Founded  in  righteousness  and  peace  and  love. 
To  bring  forth  fruits,  joy  and  eternal  bliss. 
He  ended  ;  and  thus  Adam  last  reply 'd  : 
How  soon  hath  thy  prediction,  seer  blest, 
Measur'd  this  transient  world,  the  race  of  time 
Till  time  stand  fix'd  ?  beyond  is  all  abyso, 
Eternity,  whose  end  no  eye  can  reach. 
Greatly  instructed  I  shall  hence  depart 
Greatly  in  peace  of  thought,  and  have  my  fill 
Of  knowledge,  what  this  vessel  can  contain  ; 
Beyond  which  was  my  folly  to  aspire. 
Henceforth  I  learn,  that  to  obey  is  best, 
And  love  with  fear  the  only  God,  to  walk 
As  in  his  presence,  ever  to  observe 
His  providence,  and  on  him  sole  depend, 
Merciful  over  all  his  works,  with  good 
Still  overcoming  evil,  and  by  small 
Accomplishing  great  things,  by  things  deem'd  wea 
Subverting  wordly  strong,  and  wordly  wise 
By  simply  meek :  that  suffering  for  truth's  sake 
Is  fortitude  to  highest  victory, 
And,  to  the  faithful,  death  the  gate  of  life  : 


320  PAKAD1SE   LOST.  [BOOK  XK 

Taught  this  by  his  example  whom  I  now 
Acknowledge  my  Redeemer  ever  blest. 

To  whom  thus  also  th'  angel  last  reply 'd  : 
This  having  learn'd,  thou  hast  attain'd  the  sum 
Of  wisdom  ;  hope  no  higher,  though  all  the  stars 
Thou  knew'st  by  name,  and  all  th'  ethereal  pow'rs, 
All  secrets  of  the  deep,  all  Nature's  works, 
Or  works  of  God  in  heav'n,  air,  earth  or  sea, 
And  all  the  riches  of  this  world  enjoy 'dst, 
And  all  the  rule,  one  empire ;  only  add 
Deeds  to  thy  knowledge  answerable,  add  faith, 
Add  virtue,  patience,  temperance,  add  love, 
By  name  to  come  call'd  charity,  the  soul 
Of  all  the  rest :  then  wilt  thou  not  be  loath 
To  leave  this  Paradise,  but  shall  possess 
A  paradise  within  thee,  happier  far. 
Let  us  descend  now  therefore  from  this  top 
Of  speculation  ;  for  the  hour  precise 
Exacts  our  parting  hence  ;  and  see  !  the  guards, 
By  me  encamp'd  in  yonder  hill,  expect 
Their  motion,  at  whose  front  a  flaming  sword, 
In  signal  of  remove,  waves  fiercely  round ; 
We  may  no  longer  stay  :  go  waken  Eve  ; 
Her  also  I  with  gentle  dreams  have  calm'd 
Portending  good,  and  all  her  spirits  compos'd 
To  meek  submission  :  thou  at  season  fit 
Let  her  with  thee  partake  what  thou  hast  heard 
Chiefly  what  may  concern  her  faith  to  know, 
The  great  deliverance  by  her  seed  to  come, 
(For  by  the  woman's  seed)  on  all  mankind  : 
That  ye  may  live,  which  will  be  many  days, 
Both  in  one  faith  unanimous  though  sad, 
With  cause  for  evils  past,  yet  much  more  cheer'd 
With  meditation  on  the  happy  end. 

He  ended,  and  they  both  descend  the  hill ; 
Descended,  Adam  to  the  bow'r  where  Eve 
Lay  sleeping  ran  before,  but  found  her  wak'd  ; 
And  thus  with  words  not  sad  she  him  receiv'd : 

Whence  thou  return'st,and  whither  went'stl  kr  '  i 


BOOK  XII.  j  PARADISE  LOST.  32 

For  God  is  also  in  sleep,  and  dreams  advise, 

Which  he  hath  sent  propitious,  some  great  good 

Presaging,  since  with  sorrow  and  heart's  distress 

Wearied  I  fell  asleep ;  but  now  lead  on  ; 

In  me  is  no  delay ;  with  thee  to  go, 

Is  to  stay  here  ;  without  thee  here  to  stay, 

Is  to  go  hence  unwilling ;  thou  to  me 

Art  all  things  under  heav'n,  all  places  thou, 

Who  for  my  wilful  crime  art  banish'd  hence. 

This  further  consolation  yet  secure 

I  carry  hence ;  though  all  by  me  is  lost, 

Such  favour  I  unworthy  am  vouchsafd, 

By  me  the  promis'd  Seed  shall  all  restore. 

So  spake  our  mother  Eve,  and  Adam  heard 
Well  pleas'd,  but  answer'd  not ;  for  now  too  nigh 
Th'  arch-angel  stood,  and  from  the  other  hill 
To  their  fix'd  station,  all  in  bright  array 
The  cherubim  descended ;  en  the  ground 
Gliding  metorous,  as  evening  mist 
Ris'n  from  a  river  o'er  the  marish  glides, 
And  gathers  ground  fast  at  the  lab'rer's  heel 
Homeward  returning.     High  in  front  advanc'd, 
The  brandish'd  sword  of  God  before  them  blazM, 
Fierce  as  a  comet ;  which  with  torrid  heat, 
And  vapour  as  the  Lybian  air  adust, 
Began  to  parch  that  temp'rate  clime  ;  whereat 
In  either  hand  the  hast'ning  angel  caught 
Our  ling'ring  parents,  and  to  th'  eastern  gate 
Led  them  direct,  and  down  the  cliff  as  fast 
To  the  subjected  plain  ;  then  disappear'd. 
They  looking  back,  all  th'  eastern  side  beheld 
Of  paradise,  so  late  their  happy  seat, 
Wav'd  over  by  that  flaming  brand,  the  gate 
With  dreadful  faces  throng'd  and  fiery  arms  : 
Some  natural  tears  they  dropt,  but  wip'd  them  soon 
The  world  was  all  before  them,  where  to  choose 
Their  place  of  rest,  and  Providence  their  guide  : 
They  hand  in  hand,  with  wand'ring  steps  and  si  )w 
Through  Eden  took  their  solitary  way. 

THE  END  DF  PARADISE  LOST. 


•ft 


* 


UCSB  L 

X-S6S?-' 


